A new era of Ukrainian bilateral diplomacy starts exactly in Hungary. The previous period, namely twenty years, has been marked both with active co-operation in Ukrainian-Hungarian relations and considerable slow down of political dialogue. Nevertheless, mutual interest of both countries to each other and their commitment to proceed with building relations on mutually beneficial, good-neighbour principles remained unchangeable.

Hungary attaches great importance to developing good relations with neighbouring countries. It is quite natural as border countries form the closest foreign policy surroundings; peace and stability along border periphery of any state, its progressive domestic development, unobstructed and multiform communication with the external world depends on their effective co-operation. From the first steps of Ukraine as an independent state, it was highly important to establish friendly, good-neighbour relations with all the border countries. At that period Hungarians appeared above all ready for the co-operation.

And the following factors influenced it.

For a long time Hungary suffered from its Eastern neighbour. Therefore, when the hope appeared that the empire might yield its East borders to Ukraine, to the state which has chosen democratic, European way of development, Hungarians strained to facilitate the transformation of their expectations to the reality. Majority of Hungarian politicians and ordinary citizens understood that in today’s Europe it was not worth expecting reversion in favour of Hungary of the territories lost after signing the Trianon Peace Treaty. In this regard language, cultural unity based on the preservation of national traditions remained the only way to consolidate Hungarian nation. Thus, Ukraine having on its territory approximately 160 thousand Hungarians, has been defined as the country with the most favourable conditions for inner consolidation of Hungarians. It is not a mere chance that Ukraine was the first with whom Hungary signed the Declaration on security of the national minorities’ rights and formed Joint Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on security of the national minorities’ which acts successfully until today.

Both Ukraine and Hungary are post-Socialist countries which defined formation of the democratic society on the principle of market economy as the long-term goal of their development. Naturally, common goal is a unique basis for co-operation.

Both countries declared their intention concerning integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures. Hungary has fulfilled this task and assists Ukraine in its European and Euro-Atlantic endeavours.

Geopolitical factor. Neighbouring Ukraine and Hungary belong to the region of Central and Eastern Europe. They are closely connected with common interests in the security sphere in its wider concept – from military to environment. Full involvement into European network of transport corridors – automobile, railway and water transport plays a crucial role in economic development of both countries.

During the Socialist period economies of both countries were rather interconnected. Though Hungary changed its orientation after the downfall of the Council of Economic Mutual Aid to the economic cooperation with the Western countries, for Hungarians Ukraine remained rather attractive partner. Transborder cooperation traditionally demonstrates high dynamics.

Conflicts and problematic questions of the past do not overshadow relations between two countries. Nowadays bilateral relations continue developing.

Positions of Ukraine and Hungary are very close or practically coincide as far as critical issues of international agenda are concerned. It provides the possibility to foreign affairs ministries of both countries to hold a coordinated track within international as well as regional fora.

In 1990-s coordinated joint foreign policy actions provided necessary ground for integral system of mutually beneficial and good-neighbour relations between Ukraine and Hungary. It envelops the whole complex of Ukrainian-Hungarian co-operation. Moreover, functioning mechanism has been developed to coordinate joint activities both on the bilateral level as well as on the international arena.

Recent history of Ukrainian-Hungarian relations is closely connected with complete shift of the global order where the collapse of the USSR played a key geo-strategic role. Establishment and development of bilateral relations were determined by topical tasks Ukraine and Hungary have to fulfil. According to these criteria the following stages of Ukrainian-Hungarian relations could be defined.

First stage – mid 1989 – March 24, 1992. Ukraine’s move towards state sovereignty attracted much interest in Hungary. History of the Ukrainian-Hungarian relations starts at the end of 1989 when Ukrainian delegation headed by Minister of Culture of the Ukrainian SSR Y. Olenenko visited Hungary. During the visit Protocol on Co-operation in the Sphere of Culture was signed. It was for the first time in new history of Ukraine. In August 1990 the delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine headed by Minister A. Zlenko arrived in Budapest. The Ukrainian delegation was received by President A. Goncz, Prime Minister Y. Antall, Minister of Foreign Affairs H. Jeszenszky. Even then Hungarians sought to show their support of Ukraine’s wish to become an independent, sovereign state.

In September 1990 President of Hungary A. Goncz paid an official visit to Ukraine. Negotiations with the leadership of Ukraine, members of Parliament were conducted in a warm and constructive atmosphere.

Visit of the Chairman of Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR L. Kravchuk to Hungary (May 30 – June 1, 1991) was a landmark in the bilateral relations. Nine bilateral documents, including Declaration on Relationship between Ukraine and the Republic of Hungary, Consular convention, Declaration on Principles of Cooperation concerning Security of the National Minorities’ Rights were signed during the visit. Two documents practically de-jure recognized Ukraine as an independent state.

The first official visit of the Chairman of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to Hungary was preceded with a very complicated negotiation process. According to the Constitution, the Ukrainian SSR had the right for conducting international activity but it hadn’t most of characteristics of a sovereign state, i.e. internationally recognized borders, citizenship, passport, diplomatic missions, army etc. It made negotiations extremely complicated, particularly on Consular convention and Declaration on Relationship between Ukraine and the Republic of Hungary.

Visit of the high level delegation from Ukraine, its meetings with the President, the Prime Minister and the Head of the National Assembly, signed documents proved de-facto recognition of the independence of our state at the time when the Soviet Union still existed.

Significant event for formation of the new Ukrainian diplomacy took place at the beginning of December 1991. Budapest established diplomatic relations with Ukraine just after announcing the results of the national referendum. On December 6, 1991 the delegation of the Republic of Hungary headed by Prime Minister Y. Antal visited Kyiv. The Treaty on Good-Neighbour Relations and Cooperation was signed. It was the first document of that kind signed by Ukraine. At the same day the Embassy of Hungary started its work in Kyiv. It was among first foreign missions in the Ukrainian capital.

Recalling the Treaty it should be noted that the document includes extremely important provision, namely “Parties have no and will not have in future any territorial claims to each other”. It was the very provision that has been discussed for three days by the National Assembly of the Republic of Hungary during the ratification process. Regardless of strong resistance of the opposition, first of all, Independent Party of Small Owners, the Parliament ratified the Treaty.

The key issue of the dispute was the opinion of the opposition that such a provision deprives Hungarians of the hope to return the territories, which had belonged to Hungary prior to the Trianon Peace Treaty. Particular concern of the right wing parties caused the wording “…will not have in future”. In this regard their principal argument was that international and legal documents have no reference to the future tense. Nevertheless, the Treaty was supported by the majority of members of the Parliament.

It is worth mentioning that despite the visit of high level Hungarian delegation to Kyiv, signed documents established necessary basis for further development of the Ukrainian – Hungarian relations, enhancement of cooperation was difficult due to absence of the Embassy of Ukraine and Ukrainian diplomats in Budapest. The first step done by Kyiv was appointment of chargé d’affaires of Ukraine to Hungary in January 1992. On March 24, 1992 the Embassy of Ukraine in Hungary has been solemnly opened and it became the first diplomatic mission of Ukraine abroad. In ten years President of Ukraine L. Kuchma wrote in his greeting message to the Embassy staff: “Sincerely congratulate you with the memorable date for Ukrainian diplomacy – the 10-th anniversary of the first Embassy independent Ukraine of abroad. I am sure that the Embassy having a wide experience in securing national interests of Ukraine will worthily represent our state on the international arena”.

The second stage lasted from April 1992 till March 1999. It is characterized by dynamic development of Ukrainian-Hungarian relations in all spheres. Hungary’s NATO membership and creation of new geopolitical situation in the region of CME marked the end of this period.

In 1990-s Ukrainian-Hungarian relations in political sphere have been developing rather actively. In February 1993 President of Ukraine L. Kravchuk paid an official visit to Hungary. New package of agreements have been signed, including agreements on economic, scientific & technical and industrial co-operation, on transferring – receiving individuals via the state border, border check-points, simplified order of the state border crossings by citizens residing in the bordering regions.

On May 18-19, 1995 Prime Minister of Hungary G. Horn visited Ukraine with an official visit. President of the Republic of Hungary A. Goncz paid an official visit to Ukraine on November 14-16, 1996. Prime Minister of Ukraine V. Pustovoytenko visited Hungary on November 11-12, 1997. Priorities for further political and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Hungary have been outlined. Official visit of President of Ukraine L. Kuchma to Hungary took place on October 27-28, 1998.

Inter-Parliamentary contacts have been regular as well. The Agreement on Cooperation between the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the National Assembly of the Republic of Hungary has been signed during the visit of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine O. Moroz in September 1994. Both Parliaments had formed deputy groups “Ukraine – Hungary” and “Hungary – Ukraine” respectively, Ukrainian – Hungarian parliamentary groups on the protection of national minorities’ rights, economic co-operation.

Relations between the ministries of foreign affairs have also been developing successfully. In September 1991 Protocol on Consultations between ministries has been signed. Visits on the level of ministers, deputy ministers and heads of departments are held annually. Thus, the visit chronicle of the second stage was the following: Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine B. Tarasyuk paid a working visit to Hungary on April 1998. It was the first visit of the Minister after he assumed the office. On October 12, 1998 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary J. Martonyi conducted a working visit to Ukraine.

The third stage of Ukrainian – Hungarian cooperation started in March 1999 and continued till May 2004. Its beginning corresponds to Hungary’s NATO membership and the end – with the country’s accession to the European Union. The peculiar feature of this period was, first of all, the attempt of Hungarians to review the status of bilateral relations from perspective of the country’s membership in the Alliance and future membership in the EU.

Comparing to previous period there was some slow down in Ukrainian – Hungarian relations. On May 14-15, 1999 President of Hungary participated in the sixth informal meeting of the Heads of Central European states in Lviv. On September 10-11, 1999 in Yalta President of the Republic of Hungary A. Goncz took part in international conference “Baltic-Black Sea cooperation: to the integrated Europe of the XXI century without dividing lines”.

On February 25-26, 2000 Prime Minister of the Republic of Hungary V. Orban paid an official visit to Ukraine. Trade & economic cooperation between two countries were discussed during negotiations with then Prime Minister of Ukraine V. Yuschenko. Mutual interest in intensification of the work of Ukrainian – Hungarian Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, arranging business forums was emphasized.

On April 9, 2001 working meeting of prime ministers of Ukraine and Hungary took place in the city of Uzhhorod. The heads of government evaluated the flood consequences which occurred in Transcarpathian region in March. Joint Statement and Protocol of the working meeting have been signed.

In August 2001 Prime Minister of Ukraine A. Kinakh paid an official visit to Budapest. In February 2002 President of Hungary F. Madl visited Ukraine. During the meeting with President L. Kuchma the whole spectrum of bilateral relations was discussed. The Head of the Hungarian state made special emphases on situation of national minorities living in both countries. As a result of the visit Joint Ukrainian – Hungarian Concept on Flood Prevention, intergovernmental agreements on simplified Ukrainian - Hungarian border crossing have been signed. In April 2003 on the sidelines of EU Summit in Athens the meeting of President of Ukraine L. Kuchma and Prime Minister of Hungary P. Meggyesi took place.

On May 19-21, 2003 Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Hungary K. Szili made an official visit to Ukraine. Parliamentary dimension of the bilateral co-operation got additional stimulus. Mutual readiness concerning further interrelation between parliamentary committees, including European integration and international agenda issues was underlined.

In 1999 Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine B. Tarasyuk visited Hungary twice: on May 6 – to participate in the 54-th meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe; on June 20-23 – to take part in the XVI-th International NATO Seminar. Besides, consultations on the level of deputy heads of the departments were held in Budapest and in Kyiv. On April 19-20, 2000 Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine B. Tarasyuk paid an official visit to the Republic of Hungary. Within the framework of the visit there has been arranged expert consultations on preparation of the next meeting of the Joint Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.

On April 17-18, 2001 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary J. Martonyi paid an official visit to Ukraine. Protocol on Co-operation between ministries of foreign affairs of Ukraine and Hungary had been signed.

On February 20-21, 2003 Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine A. Zlenko visited Hungary. The head of the Ukrainian diplomatic service also participated in the meeting of the Carpathian Euro-region. During the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary L. Kovacs an idea of establishment of Consulting Council on European integration with the participation of Ukraine and V-4 countries was discussed.

The idea was further discussed during the meeting of V-4 countries in Slovakia. The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Prime Minister of Ukraine V. Yanukovych. As a result of a meeting it was announced that V-4 countries would be ready to cooperate with Ukraine by the formula “4+1” after they would join the EU.

The forth stage of Ukrainian-Hungarian co-operation starts with Hungarian membership in the European Union (May 1, 2004) and continues till today. It is characterized by the dynamic development of bilateral relations in all spheres, first of all – by general increase of attention of Hungary to the cooperation with Ukraine in the field of European and Euro- Atlantic integration.

On February 10, 2005 Prime Minister of Hungary F. Gyurczani visited Ukraine with a working visit. The Hungarian side confirmed its willingness to render thorough support of Ukraine on its way to the European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Within the framework of the visit Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of Hungary on Economic Cooperation, Working Cooperation Plan between the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Ukraine and the Ministry of the Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Hungary for 2005-2008 as well as Agreement on Partnership, Cooperation and Scientific Exchange between Kyiv Commercial & Economic University and Budapest Economic Institute were signed.

On July 13-14, 2005 Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine B. Tarasyuk paid an official visit to Hungary. He was received by President of Hungary F. Madl, Prime Minister F. Gyurczani and Minister of Foreign Affairs F. Somogyi. The Ukrainian minister also made a key speech on the annual conference of Hungarian ambassadors abroad. Protocol on consultations between MFA of Ukraine and HR for 2005-2006 was concluded.

The first meeting of President of Ukraine V. Yuschenko and President of Hungary L. Solyomi (elected on June 7, 2005) took place in August 2005.

Since 2006 bilateral relations between Ukraine and Hungary have been rather positive. There is significant intensification of cooperation on European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, on humanitarian issues, in commercial & economic cooperation. Further development of transborder cooperation remains a priority of bilateral relations.

On October 23, 2006 President of Ukraine V. Yuschenko took part in celebrations of the 50-th anniversary of 1956 Revolution. National minorities’ rights, European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine as well diversification of energy sources were discussed during the meeting with the President of Hungary.

On July 10-11, 2007 President of Ukraine V. Yuschenko visited Hungary with a state visit. Intensification of the Ukrainian-Hungarian political, humanitarian, economic, transport co-operation, infrastructure development along common border, assistance of Budapest in fulfilment of Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations as well as support of Ukrainian initiatives in international organizations were high on the agenda. Furthermore, the Presidents agreed to combine their efforts to immortalize the memory of the Second World War victims, whose burial information was made secret by Soviet KDB and was stored in the SBU archives; Ukrainian-Hungarian Declaration “Joint memory for the sake of future generations” was signed.

Enhancing energy and transborder cooperation was discussed during working meetings of President of Ukraine V. Yuschenko and Prime Minister of Hungary F. Gyurczani on January 14 and July 27, 2007 in Mukacheve.

On January 13, 2008 in Mukacheve President of Ukraine V. Yuschenko had a working meeting with his Hungarian colleague L. Solyomi. Co-ordination of efforts in European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, cooperation in the sphere of protecting national minorities’ needs were discussed.

On July 7-8, 2008 President of the Republic of Hungary L. Solyomi paid a state visit to Ukraine. High dynamics of political dialogue was underlined. The Presidents also agreed on further steps aimed at deepening of bilateral cooperation in political, commercial & economic and humanitarian spheres.

On April 28-29, 2009 President of Ukraine V. Yuschenko paid an official visit to Hungary. The key issues of bilateral cooperation, in particular energy, trade-economic relations, environment protection, national minorities’ rights as well as European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine were discussed.

Working meeting of Ukrainian and Hungarian presidents during inauguration of President of Ukraine V. Yanukovych held on February 25, 2010 has contributed much to trust worth atmosphere in bilateral relations. Schedule of priority highest level measures was agreed. It made a significant impact to further intensification of Ukrainian-Hungarian relations.

On December 17-18, 2010 President of the Republic of Hungary P. Shmitt visited Ukraine. Mutual interest in deepening pragmatic cooperation was emphasized. Negotiations provided a new impulse for further cooperation in energy field, border and cross-border, military and military-technical spheres as well as environment, early warning and disaster relief planning. The Hungarian side welcomed wide scale reforms underway in our country. Considerable emphasis was made on European integration issue, first of all, with a view of the forthcoming Hungarian EU Presidency in the first half of 2011.

On April 19-20, 2011. President of Hungary P. Shmitt participated in high-level meeting Kyiv Summit on Safe and Innovative Use of Nuclear Energy”. It is worth outlining that Hungary offered 2 millions euro for Chornobyl projects.

On June 7, 2014 bilateral talks between the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán were held within the framework of the inauguration of the Ukrainian Head of State. It was agreed that Hungary would support the signing of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU

The working visit of Prime Minister of Hungary V. Orban to Ukraine on November 12, 2010 became a key issue in bilateral relations. Meetings with President of Ukraine V. Yanukovych and Prime Minister of Ukraine M. Azarov provided necessary pragmatic impulse for streamlining bilateral cooperation. The Hungarian side emphasized its prompt and complete support of European aspirations of Ukraine and underlined its readiness to provide necessary support in reaching Ukraine’s integration objectives during EU Presidency. Mutual interest in preparing Action Plan to implement priorities of Ukraine – EU cooperation during Hungarian EU Presidency was shown. Both sides also agreed on arranging regular session of the Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on Economic Cooperation and Business Forum during 2011. Further intensification of cooperation in energy, transport, investment sphere as well as cross border interrelation was promoted.

Prime Minister of Ukraine M. Azarov and Prime Minister of Hungary V. Orban had a bilateral meeting on the side lines of the jubilee Visegrad Four Summit held on February 15, 2011 in Bratislava (Slovakia). Topical issues of bilateral cooperation and European integration of Ukraine were discussed. Special emphasis was made on establishment of Free Trade Area between Ukraine and the EU.

On 16th of March 2012 the Prime-Minister of Hungary V.Orban made a working visit to Ukraine, which allowed to outline the prospects of bilateral relations in a short term perspective as well as proved sustainable the support of Hungary of eurointegrational course of Ukraine. The sides agreed to facilitate efforts in further intensification of high-level bilateral relations, of cooperation in economic sphere within the framework of successive meetings of bilateral commissions, of cooperation in energy sphere. The important aspect of the consultations were the issues of assuring the rights of Ukrainian ethnical minorities in Hungary and Hungarian minority on Ukraine, specifically in the sphere of cultural and educational issues. It was agreed on discussing those issues on expert level.

Inter-parliamentary cooperation experienced high dynamics. On September 12-13, 2006 the Head of the National Assembly of Hungary K. Szili paid an official visit to Ukraine. Mutual readiness to further enhance legal basis of cooperation in transport, border infrastructure, culture and national minorities’ rights was underlined.

Active political dialogue between two highest legislative bodies was renewed with a meeting of the speakers of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the National Assembly of Hungary held on the side lines of the meeting of parliament speakers of the Council of Europe member states on June 12, 2010 in Limassol (the Republic of Cyprus). Topical issues of bilateral relations, in particular national minorities’ rights were discussed. Special attention was paid to approval of amendments to the Law of Hungary on Citizenship.

On November 23-24, 2010 Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine V. Lytvyn made an official visit to Hungary. Mutual readiness for further intensification of bilateral dialogue, including its parliamentary dimension, was underlined. Agreement on Cooperation between the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the National Assembly of the Republic of Hungary was signed.

On July 12-14, 2013  the delegation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine – members of the inter-parliamentary friendship group "Ukraine -Hungary" paid a visit to Hungary, which gave a new impetus to the Ukrainian-Hungarian inter-parliamentary cooperation as well as to the cooperation in the sphere of the European integration of Ukraine, visa-regime liberalization and cross-border cooperation. On November 13-14, 2013 a delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of Hungary paid a visit to Ukraine. During the meetings in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and at the Foreign Ministry the parties discussed the issues of the European integration of Ukraine and ensuring national minorities’ rights.

Bilateral cooperation between foreign ministries of Ukraine and Hungary is traditionally active. Memorandum on cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary in implementation of Ukraine – EU Action Plan and Consultation Plan for 2007 were signed during the visit of Hungarian Foreign Minister K. Gontcz to Ukraine on November 23-24, 2006.

On September 18, 2007 working meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine A. Yatsenyuk and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary K. Goncz was held in the city of Uzhhorod.

Negotiations between Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Hungary P. Poroshenko and P. Balazs on December 22-23, 2009 in Kyiv provided practical impulse to the Ukrainian-Hungarian relations. Importance of further intensification of bilateral political dialogue, trade-economic cooperation, relations in cultural and humanitarian spheres, trans-border and military-technical interrelation was outlined. Discussion also covered bilateral cooperation in the context of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. Plan of Consultations between Foreign Ministries for 2010-2011 was signed.

On March 2, 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P. Poroshenko visited Hungary to take part in informal ministerial meeting of Visegrad Group, Baltic states, Spain, Sweden and Eastern Partnership countries. Hungary’s commitment to further development of border infrastructure and introduction of joint border control was an important outcome of bilateral meeting of the foreign ministers.

On November 20, 2010 in Lisbon (Portugal) Ukrainian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers K. Gryshchenko and J. Martonyi exchanged views on domestic political processes and socio-economic development of Ukraine, constructive partnership between Ukraine and NATO. Wide range of bilateral cooperation issues was discussed.

On February 9-10, 2011 Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine K. Gryshchenko paid a working visit to Hungary. Issues of practical development of bilateral cooperation, including in the field of European integration were discussed. The Foreign Ministers endorsed Action Plan on the Realization of the Priorities of Ukraine – EU Cooperation during the Hungarian Presidency in the European Union. The Hungarian side assured in its support to active promotion of Ukraine-EU negotiations on Association Agreement including establishment of Free Trade Area as well as implementation of Action Plan on Visa Liberalization for Ukraine. Mutual interest in fulfilment of joint projects within the framework of EU Strategy for Danube Region was underlined. Special attention was paid to practical cooperation within the Eastern Partnership Initiative. Protocol on Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary was signed. The document contributes to intensification of bilateral cooperation between the ministries, in particular via joint study programmes on European integration and bilateral relations.

On Decemeber 12, 2012 the Minister for foreign affairs of Hungary Mr. Martonyi paid an official visit to Ukraine, in the course of which the Hungarian side assured its support of Ukraine’s eurointegrational aspirations, the importance of signing and ratifying the Agreement of Association as well as asscending to the second phase of implementation of EU-Ukraine Action Plan on liberalization of visa regime as a necessary step to EU visa abolition for Ukrainian citizens. With this aim, the Ministry for foreign affairs Heads signed the Memorandum of Understanding on fulfilling the EU-Ukraine Action Plan on liberalization of visa regime for Ukraine.

On June 20-21, 2012 the Minister for foreign affairs of Ukraine paid a working visit to Hungary. During the working visit the Minister for foreign affairs of Ukraine had talks with Vice Prime Minister of Hungary Zsolt Semjen, Minister for foreign affairs of Hungary J.Mártonyi, Head of Hungarian national delegation to Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Marton Braun, Head of Hungarian national delegation to OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Andor Nagy as well as with representatives of interparliamentary group for relations with Ukraine. During those meetings, the development of bilateral political dialog, cooperation within international organizations, European integration of Ukraine, domestic affairs developments in Ukraine and Hungary as well as the variety of issues of bilateral cooperation, specifically in the sphere of ensuring of national minorities rights, were discussed.

On May 17, 2013 bilateral talks between Foreign Ministers of Ukraine Mr. Kozhara and Hungary Mr.Martonyi were held in Krakow (Poland) within the framework of the meeting of foreign ministers of the Visegrad Group and Eastern Partnership countries. The ministers discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation in political and economic spheres, agreed to take coordinated steps in order to implement the reached agreements. The official Budapest reaffirmed its support of the European aspirations of Ukraine, especially in the context of the conclusion of the Ukraine – EU Association Agreement.

On February 28, 2014 talks between the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Deshchytsia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary János Martonyi were held in Kyiv within the visit of the foreign ministers of Visegrad countries to Ukraine.

On December 19, 2014 the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjárto paid a working visit to Ukraine. It was agreed that Hungary would assist Ukraine in public administration reform and decentralization process. Agreement on the development of the checkpoints on the common border was also reached.

Regular Ukrainian-Hungarian consultations make significant impact on promoting further integration of Ukraine into European structures. On September 27, 2010 consultations on European integration took place. The delegations headed by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P. Klimkin and Secretary of State on European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary E. Gyori defined main areas of Ukraine-EU relations where Hungarian support is critical. Further steps in implementation of the Eastern Partnership, Ukraine’s participation in fulfilment of projects under the EU Strategy for Danube Region, possible ways of trilateral cooperation (Ukraine – Austria –Hungary) were discussed. On October 4, 2010 in Kyiv consultations between the heads of policy planning departments of the MFA of Ukraine and Hungary were held. Cooperation in energy, transport, Eurointegration, security policy as well as national minorities’ rights was high on the agenda. On March 9, 2011 in Budapest Ukrainian-Hungarian consultations on European integration at the level of deputy foreign ministers were conducted. Special emphasis was made on experience exchange concerning establishment of Free Trade Area with the EU. On April 7, 2011 in Budapest Ukrainian-Hungarian-Polish consultations on European integration on the level of directors general of MFA EU departments were held. On 27 april 2012 in Budapest, Ukrainian-Hungarian consultations on a level of Directors of Departments of Ministries for foreign affairs were held. In the course of consultations following issues were discussed: foreign priorities of Ukraine and Hungary, the relations in EU-Ukraine format, political and security issues, bilateral relations, Ukraine’s preparations to OSCE Chairmanship, relations with neighbouring countries as well as other important international issues.

On April 9-10, 2014 the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine D.Lubkivsky paid a working visit to Hungary. During the visit Deputy Minister met with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary János Martonyi, held talks with Deputy State Secretary of the Hungarian Prime-Minister’s Office Levente Magyar as well as with State Secretary od the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Zsolt Németh and Deputy State Secretary, Political Director Szabolcs Takács. A number of issues of bilateral cooperation, including development of trade and economic relations, infrastructure of border crossing points, energy cooperation and minorities rights, was also discussed. Mr. Lubkivsky thanked the Hungarian government for continuous support for European aspirations of Ukraine, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. Mr Lubkivsky also took part in the “round table” in the Foreign Policy Institute of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Hungary. During the discussion participants exchanged views on internal political situation and reform process in Ukraine. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also had a meeting with the representatives of the Ukrainian community in Hungary.

Hungary is traditionally positive as to discussing cooperation with Ukraine, support of its foreign policy priorities in the framework of Visegrad Group. In 2005 Hungary initiated establishment of V-4+Ukraine format. This mechanism became an important political tool in providing necessary support to Ukraine’s European integration. Hungary attached special importance to maintaining high level political dialogue with Ukraine during its V-4 Presidency (2009-2010). Visits of deputy secretaries of state, political directors for European integration of the MFA of V-4 countries to Ukraine became a tradition. Thus, on October 4, 2013, within the Hungarian V-4 chairmanship, the meeting of the political directors of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of V-4 countires was held in Kyiv. During the meeting the V-4 states supported the conclusion of the Ukraine – EU Association Agreement, including FTA, and expressed their willingness to promote within the EU positive signals regarding the achievement of the relevant criteria. Before the meeting the V-4 countries issued a joint statement in support of the European integration of Ukraine, prepared by the Hungarian chairmanship.

On November 24-25, 2016, the Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman made an official visit to Hungary. During his visit, the Head of Ukrainian Government met with the President of Hungary Janos Ader, the Prime Minister of Hungary Victor Orban and the Chairman of the Hungarian State Assembly, Laszlo Kövér. As a result of the negotiations, it was agreed that Hungary will finance the construction of a bypass road around Berehove, as well as upgrading the motorway between the cities of Mukachevo and Berehove with a target loan of 50 million euros. The parties also agreed to build a freeway to the common border by 2020 and work on the introduction of joint border control and improvement of existing checkpoints; discussed cooperation in the field of energy. The Head of the Hungarian Government confirmed Budapest's support for Ukraine's European integration aspirations, and also announced the decision to cancel the fee for D-type national visas for Ukrainian citizens.

As a result of negotiations between heads of governments of two states, a number of bilateral documents were signed, in particular, the Framework Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Hungary on the provision of a loan under the conditions of related assistance, the Protocol on the Intent to Comprehensive Development of Checkpoints and Infrastructure at the State Border between Ukraine and Hungary, Agreement on the maintenance of motorway border bridges and the Agreement between the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine and the Ministry of Human Resources of Hungary on cooperation in the field of sports and physical education and

In 2017 five and in 2018 seven meetings were held of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó.

September 1990	Official visit of the President of Hungary A. Gönsz to Ukraine
May 1991	Official visit of the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR L.M. Kravchuk to Hungary
February 1993	Official visit of the President of Ukraine L.M. Kravchuk to Hungary
September 1994	Official visit of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine O. Moroz to Hungary
May 1995	Official visit of the Prime Minister of Hungary D. Horn to Ukraine
November 1996	Official visit of the President of Hungary A. Göncz to Ukraine
November 1997	Official visit of Prime Minister of Ukraine V.Pustovoitenko to Hungary
April 1998	Working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Boris Tarasyuk to Hungary
October 1998	Working visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary J.Mártoni to Ukraine
October 1998	Official visit of President of Ukraine L.D.Kuchma to Hungary
February 2000	Official visit of the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán to Ukraine
April 2000	Official visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Boris Tarasyuk to Hungary
April 2001	Working visit of the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán to Ukraine
August 2001	Official visit of the Prime Minister of Ukraine A.Kinakh to Hungary
February 2002	Official visit of the President of Hungary F.Mádl to Ukraine
February 2003	Working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine A.Zlenko to Hungary
May 2003	Official visit of the Chairman of the State Assembly of Hungary K.Szili to Ukraine
June 2004	Official visit of the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine V.M. Lytvyn to Hungary
February 2005	Working visit of the Prime Minister of Hungary F. Gyurcsány to Ukraine
July 2005	Official visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Boris Tarasyuk to Hungary
September 2006	Official visit of the Chairman of the State Assembly of Hungary K. Szilas to Ukraine.
October 2006	Working visit of the President of Ukraine V.A.Yushchenko to Hungary
November 2006	Official visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary K. Gönsz to Ukraine
January 2007	Working meeting of the President of Ukraine V.A.Yushchenko with the Prime Minister of Hungary F. Gyurcsány in Mukachevo
March 2007	Official visit of the Prime Minister of Ukraine V.P.Yanukovich to Hungary
July 2007	State visit of the President of Ukraine V.A.Yushchenko to Hungary
January 2008	Working meeting of the President of Ukraine V.A.Yushchenko with the President of Hungary L.Solyom in Mukachevo
July 2008	State visit of President of the Republic of Hungary to L. Solyom in Ukraine
April 2009	Official visit of the President of Ukraine V.A.Yushchenko to Hungary
December 2009	Working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary P. Balázs to Ukraine
February 2010	Working visit of the President of Hungary L. Solyom to Ukraine
March 2010	Working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Poroshenko to Hungary
November 2010	Working visit of the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán to Ukraine
November 2010	Official visit of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine V.M. Lytvyn to Hungary
December 2010	Working visit of President of Hungary P.Schmidt to Ukraine
February 2011	Working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine K.I.Gryshchenko to Hungary
February 2011	Working meeting of Prime Minister of Ukraine M.Azarov with the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán in Bratislava (SR) in the framework of the jubilee meeting of the Visegrad Four
April 2011	Working visit of the President of Hungary P. Schmidt to Ukraine
December 2011	Official visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Y.Mártoni to Ukraine
March 2012	Working visit of the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán to Ukraine
June 2012	Working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine K.I.Gryshchenko to Hungary
March 2013	Negotiations between President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych and President of Hungary Y. áder and President of Poland B.Komurovsky in Warsaw
March 2013	Official visit of the Prime Minister of Ukraine M. Azarov to Hungary
February 2014	Negotiations of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine A.Deshchitsya with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary Y.Mártoni in the framework of the visit of the heads of foreign policy departments of the member countries of the Visegrad Group to Ukraine
June 2014	Negotiations of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán during the inauguration of the Head of the Ukrainian State
December 2014	Working visit of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó to Ukraine
February 2015	Working visit of the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán to Ukraine.
April 2015	Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó in the framework of the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Council of Europe (Luxembourg).
February 2016	Working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Hungary
March 2016	Negotiations of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán in Brussels.
September 2016	Meeting of Prime Minister of Ukraine V.Groysman with the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán in Krynica Zdrój (Poland)
September 2016	Meeting of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the President of Hungary J.Áder in New York
September	2016 Visit of President of Hungary Y. Ader to Ukraine
October 2016	Meeting of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán in Maastricht
October 2016	Working visit of Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó to Ukraine
November 2016	Visit of Prime Minister of Ukraine V.Groysman to Hungary
March 2017	Meeting of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the Prime Minister of Hungary V.Orbán
April 2017	Working visit of Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó to Ukraine
April 2017	Meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin with Minister of Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó in London
August 2017	Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Hungary
October 2017	Working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Hungary
December 2017	Meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin with Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó in Vienna
January 2018	Meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin with Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó in Paris
May 2018	Meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin with Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó in New York
June 2018	Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó to Ukraine
September 2018	Meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó in New York
October 2018	Meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó in Luxembourg
October 2018	Meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó in Warsaw
December 2018	Meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade P.Szijjártó in Milan