Hungary and Syria hold first high-level talks in 13 years

Hungary and Syria have concluded a meeting of “historic significance,” State Secretary Tristan Azbej announced on Saturday, highlighting that this is the first state-secretary-level consultation between the two countries in more than 13 years.

Posting from Damascus near the end of his visit, State Secretary Azbej expressed gratitude to the Syrian government for what he described as a “friendly welcome and an honest, respectful and forward-looking dialogue.” He said it was an honour to meet Mohamed Barra Sukri, the Syrian Foreign Ministry’s head of European affairs.

Tristan Azbej underlined that the renewed diplomatic engagement is built on shared history, mutual respect and a commitment to continuous dialogue — a foundation, he said, on which future cooperation can grow.

“It is our common interest to see a stable, developing Syria where different communities can live together in peace, and where those forced to flee can return to their homes,” he said.

The state secretary noted that Hungary stands ready to deepen cooperation in agricultural development, education and cultural heritage protection. He also reaffirmed Hungary’s long-standing commitment to supporting Syria’s Christian communities, helping them preserve their presence and build sustainable livelihoods in their homeland.