GYENGE: HUNGARY SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN TIES BASED ON MUTUAL INTERESTS

SARAJEVO, OCTOBER 21 /SRNA/ – Hungary is committed to strengthening and expanding relations with BiH, as well as supporting its European path, Hungarian Embassy Charge d'Affairs in BiH Aniko Gyenge said today.

Speaking at a reception in Sarajevo marking Hungary's National Day, Gyenge noted that the two countries shared a common history and maintained significant economic and cultural ties.

She said the new Hungarian Government aimed to strengthen relations with BiH on the basis of mutual interests, adding that Hungary was ready to support BiH's European integration through bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

Gyenge also stressed the importance of preserving peace and stability across the European continent and the Western Balkans, noting that Hungary, as a significant contributor to the EUFOR Althea mission, paid particular attention to regional stability.

As an example of cooperation between the two countries, she cited the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, under which the Hungarian Government provides 100 fully funded scholarships annually for students from BiH to pursue undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies at Hungarian educational institutions.

"We see this program as a genuine investment in our shared future," Gyenge said at the reception, which was also attended by Republika Srpska Justice Minister Goran Selak.

Gyenge reminded that this year marked the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and freedom struggle, stressing that freedom and democracy were values that must never be taken for granted.