Georgian, Hungarian FMs discuss cooperation, simplified employment for Georgian citizens in Hungary

Introduction of a simplified employment mechanism for Georgian citizens in Hungary and “fruitful” cooperation between the two countries in economy, trade, tourism and education were discussed on Saturday in a meeting between Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said.

Darchiashvili said a simplified employment mechanism for Georgian citizens in the “most demanding” sectors of Hungary has been “one of the main topics” of bilateral agenda with the country and noted it would give the opportunity to Georgians to obtain a work permit for a “specified period of time”, adding both parties agreed to “additionally” work towards the implementation of the mentioned decision.

I thank the Hungarian partners for their readiness to include Georgia in the list of countries that benefit from the mentioned simplified procedures. This fact is another clear confirmation of Hungary's unwavering support for our country," Darchiashvili said at the joint press conference after the meeting.

The officials welcomed the positive dynamics of the existing economic and trade relations between the two countries, which they noted had increased “significantly” in recent years and agreed to hold an intergovernmental economic commission by the end of 2022, which would open “additional opportunities in this direction”.

The sides also discussed deepening cooperation in tourism and highlighted the importance of increasing the numbers of flights from Kutaisi International Airport in western Georgia by Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air.

The conversation also touched on the process of Georgia's European integration, with Darchiashvili highlighting “historic decision” of the European Council to grant the country the European perspective, while adding this progress had been achieved over the years and stressing that Georgia would become a member of the EU.

Georgia should have been given the candidate status. I think that Georgia and its citizens have earned it. The decision not to grant this status to Georgia is against the interests of, not only Hungary, but also the European Union and the attempt to strengthen the Union [...] This decision is disrespectful to the Georgian nation and is a waste of opportunity", Szijjártó said.

During his working visit Darchiashvili thanked Szijjártó for Hungary's “strong support” for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, while officials welcomed the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.