Initiation of diplomatic relations with Hungary
The history of Ukrainian-Hungarian relations starts on 1989, when Ukrainian delegation headed by Minister of Culture of Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic came to Hungary. During this visit for the first time in the modern history of Ukraine the protocol on cooperation in the sphere of culture between the two countries has been signed.
In August 1990 delegation headed by Minister for foreign affairs of Ukraine A.M.Zlenko came to Budapest. During the visit the meetings with the President of Republic of Hungary A.Göncz, Prime-minister J.Antall and Minister for foreign affairs G. Jeszenszky took place.
In September 1990 President of Hungary A.Göncz paid an official visit to Ukraine.
The visit of the Head of Verkhovna Rada of Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic L.M.Kravchuk to Hungary (30 May – 1 June 1991) was an outstanding in bilateral relations, during which nine bilateral documents were signed, which had laid the basis of legal framework of Ukrainian-Hungarian cooperation. The documents included the Declaration on establishment of relations between Ukraine and Republic of Hungary, Convention on consular relations, Declaration on the principles of cooperation for rights protection.
The Ambassador of USSR to Republic of Hungary I.P.Aboimov applied pressure on Ukrainian delegation at that time. As a head of Soviet diplomatic mission he was doing everything to avoid the fixation of Ukraine’s de-facto independence in those documents.
But this visit of Ukrainian delegation, the consultations with leadership of Hungary, signing of bilateral documents signified the preliminary acceptance of Independent Ukraine even during the Soviet Era.
Its worthy to note the significant event for young Ukrainian diplomacy, which took place at the beginning of 1991. Just after the announcement of the result of National referendum, Budapest initiated the establishment of diplomatic relations with Ukraine and on 6th of December Hungarian delegation headed by Prime-minister of Republic of Hungary J.Antall visited Kyiv. In festive atmosphere, the Treaty on foundation of neighborhood and cooperation was signed at Mariinsky Palace (signed on 06.12.91, ratified: by Ukrainian side on 01.07.92; by Hungarian side on 11.05.93; the exchange of ratification letters took place on 16.06.93). This was the first step of such magnitude, which Independet Ukraine undertook. The same day, Hungarian Embassy, the first foreign embassy, was opened in Kyiv.
In January 1992 Ukraine appointed Charge de’affairs of Ukraine to Hungary. On 24 of March 1992 the Embassy of Ukraine to Hungary was opened, which was the first Ukrainian diplomatic entity opened abroad.
Ten years after, President of Ukraine L.D.Kuchma wrote “I congratulate Ukrainian diplomacy with significant event - 10th Anniversary of opening of the first Embassy of independent Ukraine abroad. I am convinced that the Embassy, which has accumulated the vast experience in securing National interests of Ukraine, will continue to represent our country on the international arena with great dignity.”
Heads of the Mission:
Dmytro Tkach – 1992 to 1998;
Orest Klympush – 1998 to 2002;
Vasyl Durdynets – 2002 to 2003;
Yurii Mushka – 2003 to 2006;
Tkach Dmytro – 2006 to 2010;
Mushka Yurii – 2010 to 2014;
Liubov Nepop – since 30 May 2016.