Ukraine, Hungary kick off expert-level consultations

May 20 (Reuters) - Kyiv ‌and Budapest began ​expert-level ​consultations online on Wednesday, the countries' foreign ministers said.

• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha ‌said he focused his opening statement on three ⁠key issues - bilateral relations, minority rights, and Ukraine's EU accession.

• ‌Both countries look to rebuild ‌ties following a change of government in Hungary and said they would hold talks this week about ​the rights of Ukraine's ethnic Hungarian minority.

• Budapest sees treatment of ethnic Hungarians in western Ukraine ⁠as key to improving the relationship between the countries.

• "Ukraine takes national minority ​rights seriously and remains committed to ensuring them in accordance with European standards. We understand ​that this issue has a ‌fundamental importance," Sybiha said on X.

• "Hungary is committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity ⁠of Ukraine. At the same time, the consistent protection of the rights of national minorities in our bilateral relations is ⁠our first task," Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban said on ​social media. "I believe that today's consultation can be the beginning of a new process," she added.

• Sybiha also said he proposed ‌that Hungary should view Ukraine's EU accession as in its strategic interest, including the ‌best way to ensure the Hungarian minority's rights.

• He ⁠added the two ministers ‌would meet on ​Thursday at the NATO ministerial meeting in Sweden.

(Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka, Krisztina Than; Editing Chiara ‌Rodriquez)

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