Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received an official welcome in Budapest during his official visit to Hungary. Hungarian President Dr. András Baka was among those welcoming him at Kossuth Square, in front of the Hungarian Parliament building.
The ceremony featured the national anthems of Egypt and Hungary, an honour guard inspection, and greetings between the two presidents and members of their respective delegations. Following the ceremony, President Sisi visited Heroes’ Square, where he laid a wreath at Hungary’s official memorial, before proceeding to Sándor Palace for talks with his Hungarian counterpart.
Upon his arrival at the presidential palace, President Sisi was welcomed by the Hungarian president. The two leaders posed for an official photograph, and Sisi signed the palace’s official visitors’ book. A bilateral meeting was then held, followed by expanded talks attended by delegations from both countries.
During the discussions, President Sisi expressed his appreciation for the visit and thanked the Hungarian side for its warm welcome and hospitality. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding historical ties between the two countries, particularly as they approach the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2028.
Sisi stressed the importance of building on the strategic partnership declaration signed in 2023 and translating it into practical projects and programmes that would benefit both peoples. He highlighted ongoing cooperation in the railway sector and opportunities to expand infrastructure cooperation, including through Egypt’s Haya Karima (Decent Life) initiative.
The Egyptian president also underscored the importance of strengthening security cooperation, combating irregular migration, holding regular meetings of the joint higher committee, boosting bilateral trade, and expanding tourism cooperation. He also invited the Hungarian president to visit Egypt.
For his part, the Hungarian president welcomed Sisi’s visit and reaffirmed his country’s appreciation for its distinguished relations with Egypt, describing Egypt as a highly important partner. He praised Sisi’s role in promoting security and stability in the region and worldwide. He also acknowledged the importance of the Nile River to Egypt and stressed the need to strengthen cultural cooperation between the two countries.
The talks also addressed regional and international developments of mutual concern. The Hungarian president commended Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting security and stability in the Middle East, as well as its efforts to combat irregular migration. Sisi outlined Egypt’s approach to resolving regional crises and conflicts through peaceful means to safeguard regional and international peace and security.
Following the talks, the Hungarian president hosted a luncheon in honour of Sisi. During the event, the Egyptian president reiterated the deep bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the two countries, expressing his desire to further strengthen their strategic partnership and broaden cooperation in pursuit of their shared interests.
The luncheon included a musical performance by Egyptian-Hungarian artists Amira and Mariam Abu Zahra. Both presidents greeted the performers and posed for a commemorative photograph. The Hungarian president also accompanied Sisi to the balcony of Sándor Palace overlooking Budapest, where the two leaders took a commemorative photograph.
