“Hungary supports Georgia’s EU accession process, not only politically, but also through technical assistance and training programs. We have the privilege of being your voice within the European Union when they want to exclude or silence you,” said János Bóka, Hungary’s Minister for EU Affairs, during a speech at an Independence Day event organized by the Georgian Embassy in Hungary.

According to him, Georgia and Hungary know the importance of sovereignty and independence.

“Please, allow me to convey the greetings and the best wishes of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the government of Hungary on the occasion of the Independence Day of Georgia,” Minister Bóka has said.

“Since October 2023, the first intergovernmental summit between our countries, there has been a strategic partnership between Georgia and Hungary that now extends to all areas of government and all walks of life. Our bilateral agreement on the protection of investment is entering into force in January this year. Since 2010, our trade has increased more than three times. There are more than 130 university students from Georgia studying at Hungarian universities with the support of the Stipendium Hungaricum program,” János Bóka went on to say.

The Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs reaffirmed its unwavering support for Georgia’s bid to join the European Union, emphasising both political backing and practical assistance.

“Hungary supports Georgia’s EU accession process, not only politically, but also through technical assistance and training programs. We have the privilege of being your voice within the European Union when they want to exclude or silence you. We stand with you on good and bad days alike. We do so because we are so close to each other in so many ways. Both our nations know the importance of sovereignty and independence, and we both know that they don’t come easily, and they don’t come for free. We both cherish our roots and our values. We are both Europeans, not because anyone else approved this, but because this has been the case for over a millennium. We are proud nations, and we want to remain what we are,” the minister said.

The minister emphasised that both Hungary and Georgia are proud, independent nations with a deep historical connection to Europe.

“We are two islands of freedom in an ocean of old and new empires, and we have been extending our hands to one another, building bridges and building a future for our children and grandchildren. I stand here today to reaffirm this commitment from our side,” he stated.

He concluded by extending best wishes for peace and prosperity to Georgia and expressing hope for an ever-strengthening partnership in the years to come.

“May the beautiful country of Georgia enjoy peace and prosperity, the long-lived ancient and proud nation of Georgia, and may our partnership become stronger year by year,” János Bóka concluded.