Armenian, Hungarian FMs agree to restore ties

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has met with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto within the framework of the 29th forum of the OSCE foreign ministers in the Polish city of Lodz.

The press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported that the parties noted the deep historical and cultural ties between the Armenian and Hungarian peoples and their common Christian heritage, emphasizing the importance of improving relations between the two countries, according to Sputnik Armenia. The diplomats stressed the role of the Armenian community in Hungary, officially recognized as a national minority. The ministers also expressed their intention to open a new page in relations between the two countries based on mutual trust and respect for international law.

In pursuance of the agreement, the parties are going to appoint non-resident ambassadors to explore the possibilities of developing relations in trade, culture, education and tourism. In the coming days, diplomatic and administrative procedures will start for this.

Armenia suspended diplomatic relations with Hungary in 2012 after Budapest extradited Azerbaijani army officer Ramil Safarov, who was convicted of killing an Armenian officer while on a NATO training course in Hungary in 2004, to Baku. Back then, Safarov was granted a presidential pardon on his return to Azerbaijan.