Edited by Anna Popper
As part of a working trip to Europe, scheduled at the end of October 2023, Peru’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ignacio Higueras Hare, after a series of meetings with authorities from Belgium and the European Union, proceeded to Hungary. The establishment of resident embassies in Budapest and Lima respectively by Hungary and Peru is a significant indicator of the strong foundation of diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
During his official visit, Vice Minister Higuerashad successful meetings in Budapest. He co-chaired the 2nd Peru-Hungary Political Consultation Mechanism with his counterpart, Mr. Levente Magyar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. At this meeting, they reviewed the excellent bilateral relationship and expressed their common will to further deepen ties between the two countries in all fields. They discussed the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024, with the perspective to have a positive impact on relations between Latin America and the EU. There was also a discussion on the work of the Pacific Alliance, currently under Peruvian presidency, highlighting Hungary’s commitment to fostering its relations with this integration mechanism as an Observer State. Vice Minister Higueras thanked Hungary for its sustained support for Peru’s accession to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).
Continuing his busy agenda, the Peruvian Vice Minister attended a working meeting with Mr. Tamás Menczer, Secretary of State for Bilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for discussions on promoting collaboration, enhancing trade and investments, and exploring avenues and potential opportunities for mutual benefit in these realms. Vice Minister Higueras thanked the Government of Hungary for granting Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships to Peruvian students and for Hungarian cooperation in combating the effects of floods on the northern coast of Peru.
Ignacio Higueras met with Márton Ugrósdy, Deputy State Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, and exchanged views on the political and social situation in Latin America and Europe and analysed the major global challenges.
Vice Minister Higueras held a master conference for students, teachers and leaders of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy entitled ‘Peru and regional integration processes’, focusing on the Andean Community and the Pacific Alliance in his keynote address. In addition, at a meeting with the director of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy, Dr. Orsolya Pacsay-Tomassich, there was a discussion about strengthening cooperation between the diplomatic academies of Peru and Hungary.
On the occasion of the visit of Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Ignacio Higueras in Hungary, a diplomatic reception was hosted by H.E. Mr. Edgard Pérez Alván, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Hungary at Ritz Carlton Hotel, on 27 October. The event was attended by officials of the Hungarian government, including Mr. Tibor Tóth, State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the business and academic circles, and nationals of Peru in Hungary.
After the national anthems of Peru and Hungary were played, Ambassador Pérez Alván warmly welcomed the invitees and delivered his keynote address:
“Ladies and gentlemen, Thank you very much to all of you for joining us today, on an occasion in which we welcome the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Ambassador Ignacio Higueras, who travelled to Budapest to lead the national delegation that participated in the Second Mechanism of Political Consultations Peru – Hungary. Thank you, Vice Minister Higueras, for your presence in Hungary and for accompanying us this evening.
In a global context in which we face diverse crises, conflicts and wars, on which Peru’s official position has been publicly expressed in the relevant forums, I would like to focus on the visit of a high-level Peruvian representative to this country, and to highlight the goal of his visit, which is to continue strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation with Hungary, and to make known that Peru wishes to continue promoting areas of mutual benefit for both nations, based on the great potential of our bilateral relationship.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Hungary and especially the State Secretaries Levente Magyar, Tamás Menczer and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a whole for the excellent meetings that both high level Hungarian authorities held with Vice Minister Higueras.
Furthermore, Peru highly values Hungary’s ‘Opening to the South’ policy, which shows that, although geographical distances are wide, concrete political will and actions allow us to overcome the challenges that may arise from perceived difficulties.
Allow me to point out some milestones of this new momentum in bilateral relations:
A year ago, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó visited Peru. During this visit numerous agreements were signed in the fields of water management, sports and academic cooperation, which added to the already existing legal background between our two countries, and laid the foundation for the negotiation of new agreements that we hope will soon be signed.
Amongst recent milestones of the bilateral relation, was one at the highest level, when the presidents of Peru and Hungary met in New York this past September, during the recent UN General Assembly. President Boluarte received a kind invitation from President Novák to visit Budapest next year to participate in the forum of women leaders in this city. The President of Peru, in turn, extended an invitation to the President of Hungary to visit our country.
The presence of the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru in Budapest made it possible to continue the momentum of relations, as it was also an opportunity to review the progress achieved and, overall, to look for new possibilities to further expand our ties, including strengthening the areas of commerce and investments.
In the cordial framework in which the bilateral consultation mechanism was carried out, Hungary’s upcoming EU Presidency and Peru’s relationship with the European Union were also discussed. Also, both heads of delegation exchanged views and experiences on similar challenges we face arising from our regional and global context.
Another element that exemplifies the nature of the relationship between Peru and Hungary is the renewed interest from the Hungarian private sector in doing business in Peru, which has allowed a greater presence of Hungarian businesses at Peruvian trade fairs such as ‘Expoalimentaria 2023’. I welcome and appreciate the presence of representatives of important Hungarian companies here tonight. In strengthening these bilateral ties, Peru appreciates Hungary’s aid to counteract the effects of floods in parts of the country. I would also like to thank the Hungarian Government for granting the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship to Peruvian students.
Before concluding, I would like to express my gratitude to my team at the Embassy, as well as to our Honorary Consul, Mr. Titusz Pálos, for their permanent support in the work of the Mission, and especially for his support in organising today’s event. Thank you very much for your attention.”
The guests had a wonderful time at the reception, offering Peruvian specialties including the famous Pisco Sour cocktail, considered the national drink of Peru, served in a friendly atmosphere, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the event.
Source: Embassy of Peru in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of Peru and DPA
