An Interview with H.E. B\u00e9la Fazekas, Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan
\n ISLAMABAD
\nAs his tenure in Pakistan comes to a close, the Hungarian Ambassador to Pakistan, B\u00e9la Fazekas, reflects on the evolving bilateral relationship between Hungary and Pakistan.
\nIn a candid and thoughtful interview, Ambassador Fazekas offers insight into the diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties that have developed over the years\u2014and outlines opportunities for a brighter, more connected future between the two nations. First of this interview was published in this newspaper on May 12, 2025.
\nWhen asked to assess the current state of political, economic, and cultural relations between Hungary and Pakistan, Ambassador Fazekas described the relationship as being \u201cmore than friendly and less than strategic.\u201d
\nHowever, he emphasized that the two nations are just a \u201cstone\u2019s throw away\u201d from forging a truly strategic partnership.
\n\u201cOver the past five years, we\u2019ve covered significant ground,\u201d he noted, underscoring the importance of consistent diplomatic engagement. \u201cEconomic and trade relations, however, tell a different story.\u201d
\nThe ambassador highlighted one of the most remarkable economic success stories: the long-standing presence of Hungarian oil and gas giant MOL in Pakistan.
\nSince 1999, MOL has been active in the country\u2019s energy sector, investing over USD 3 billion and contributing immensely to Pakistan\u2019s energy security\u2014particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
\nDespite security challenges in that region, MOL has remained committed, even as many other Western companies exited. \u201cThis unwavering engagement speaks volumes about MOL\u2019s confidence in Pakistan and its people,\u201d said Fazekas.
\nOn the flip side, the broader picture of bilateral trade leaves room for improvement. Though the trade volume has doubled in five years\u2014from USD 50 million to USD 100 million\u2014Ambassador Fazekas pointed out that this still does not reflect the true potential of the relationship.
\nReferencing the past \u201cNokia era,\u201d when Hungarian-made cellphones were ubiquitous in Pakistani households, he said, \u201cThose days might not return, but we must find a substitute\u2014another flagship product to revive the vibrancy of our trade relations.\u201d
\nAmbassador Fazekas is particularly proud of Hungary\u2019s contributions to education in Pakistan. Despite being a relatively small nation in terms of geopolitical power, Hungary boasts one of the highest numbers of Nobel Prize winners per capita\u2014a feat he attributes to its world-class higher education system.
\nIn the last decade, Hungary has steadily increased the number of government-funded scholarships for Pakistani students, beginning with 80 and now offering 400 scholarships annually.
\nThe demand is overwhelming, with 15,000 to 18,000 applicants every year, demonstrating the high regard in which Hungarian education is held among Pakistani youth.
\nAdditionally, hundreds of Pakistani students pursue self-funded studies in Hungary, making them one of the largest Pakistani student diasporas in Europe\u2014and the largest under any single government\u2019s scholarship program.
\n\u201cThese young people are ambassadors of Pakistan in Hungary,\u201d said Fazekas, emphasizing the role of education in building long-lasting people-to-people connections.
\nOn how Pakistan can enhance its presence in Hungary, Ambassador Fazekas offered pragmatic advice. \u201cEstablish a commercial counselor\u2019s post at the embassy\u2014or better yet, open a dedicated trade office in Budapest,\u201d he recommended.
\nHe also emphasized the need to leverage the presence of Pakistani students to deepen cultural understanding. \u201cThey can organize cultural events, culinary festivals, even introduce cricket to Hungarian youth. They are energetic, smart, and full of potential. Let them establish Pakistan as a beloved brand in Hungary.\u201d
\nWhen asked if he would consider returning to Pakistan in the future, Ambassador Fazekas responded with warmth and realism. \u201cYes, I would. But being closer to 70 than 60, I don\u2019t think Pakistan will be high on my bucket list. Still, I look forward to watching Pakistan become one of the success stories of the 21st century\u2014something I believe will happen sooner or later.\u201d
\n\u201cA young country with ancient civilization,\u201d Fazekas said without hesitation\u2014capturing the essence of Pakistan\u2019s identity in a single, powerful sentence.
\nIn his parting words, the ambassador expressed deep gratitude:
\n\u201cI just want to thank my Pakistani friends for treating me like one of their own. I apologize if at times I was too honest\u2014perhaps even too blunt\u2014but it was never against them, always for them.\u201d
\nAmbassador B\u00e9la Fazekas leaves Pakistan with admiration and hope. His tenure has been marked by mutual respect, shared values, and a vision for even closer ties between Hungary and Pakistan. As both nations look to the future, it is evident that education, trade, and cultural exchange will form the bedrock of a truly strategic partnership.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An Interview with H.E. B\u00e9la Fazekas, Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan ISLAMABAD As his tenure in Pakistan comes to a close, the Hungarian Ambassador to Pakistan, B\u00e9la Fazekas, reflects on the evolving bilateral relationship between Hungary and Pakistan. In a candid and thoughtful interview, Ambassador Fazekas offers insight into the diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":479384,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-479366","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n