German Foreign Minister Visits Budapest for First Time in Seven Years

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Budapest for the first time in seven years to meet with Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán. During a joint press conference, Wadephul stated that Hungary has rediscovered its European heart and noted that it was inconceivable for two NATO and EU partners to go so long without ministerial consultation. The two ministers discussed revitalizing bilateral relations, common challenges, and economic cooperation. Anita Orbán emphasized that Germany is Hungary's most important trading partner, noting that 2,200 German companies employ 230,000 people in Hungary. They agreed to expand cooperation beyond the automotive industry into electronics, communications, infrastructure, and the defense sector. Additional agreements include a joint cultural season in 2028 and regular strategic consultations between ministries. The ministers also addressed EU enlargement, the Western Balkans, and the need for joint European action against hybrid attacks and sabotage following an attack on Leipzig. Looking forward, a Hungarian delegation will visit Berlin on November 9 and 10, where Péter Magyar is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and deliver a Europe speech at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. While center leaning reports focused on the diplomatic revitalization and economic ties, a center left report highlighted the domestic political pressure on Wadephul, noting he was asked about the AfD and Friedrich Merz.