Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (2nd L) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
BUDAPEST, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Hungary and Israel on Thursday pledged to expand strategic and economic ties during high-level talks in Budapest, emphasizing mutual interests in security, technology, and defense.
At a joint press conference, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Hungary supports Israel's stability as a matter of national interest, while his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted shared efforts against regional threats and praised Hungary's continued support in areas such as sport and tourism.
The two sides pointed to growing cooperation in defense, high-tech industries, and pharmaceuticals. More than 150 Israeli companies currently operate in Hungary.
Hungary also announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, calling it "a political court." Netanyahu faces an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Hungary is the first European country to host Netanyahu since the warrant was issued. ■
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a joint press conference after their meeting in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R, front) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R, front) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a joint press conference after their meeting in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
