Diplomatic Relations By Hakeem Babalola
Although the Hungarian embassy in Abuja ceased its visa issuance on the 31st of August 2010 and has recalled its ambassador, authorities have said such decision will not affect bilateral agreements that have existed between the two countries back to the early 60's
Consequently, African News Hungary sources said that the Nigeria Embassy in Budapest may also close down soon. This was dismissed by Mr. Adedotun Adepoju, Nigeria's Charge d' Affaires saying, it is an assumption since there is no white paper on that yet.
Authorities would not give details but African News Hungary gathered that it might be connected with the global economic crash.
Last year, the Federal government of Nigeria contemplated closing down ten of the country's foreign missions out of the existing 102 but did not specify which missions to be closed.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the then Chairman of Nigeria's Presidential Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs said while speaking on the state owned Voice of Nigeria (VON) that decision to close some missions was meant to reduce cost.
Despite assurance from authorities that possible solution will be applied, many Nigerians see the decision for Hungarian Embassy in Nigeria to stop issuing visa in Nigeria as negative signal even though Hungary still has its Charge d' Affaires in Nigeria as at the time of this report.
"The relationship is fragile," said Mr. John Oni, pastor Christ Embassy Budapest. He added that the "visa stuff is a negative signal" which should be reversed in the interest of business executives, students and other applicants who may now find it very difficult to come to Hungary.
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