Major bilateral agreements

•  Treaty of Commerce and Navigation (1975)
• Agreement on Science and Technology (1979)
• Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation (1980)
• Treaty of Aviation (1994)
• Exchange of notes on the full waiver of visa requirements (1997)
• Agreement on the mutual acknoledgement of driving licences (2007)

Overview of bilateral relations

Hungarian-Japanese relations have always been characterized by a kind of mutual sympathy that is rooted in the common Asian origin of the two nations. The development of official relations between the two countries started as early as in the 19^th century. Diplomatic relations were first established in 1921. After World War II, diplomatic relations were renewed on August 29, 1959, then raised to ambassadorial level in 1964.

Since 1990 bilateral affairs have gone through a dynamic progress. The series of high level contacts, such as governmental and private presidential visits, culminated in the state visits by President Árpád Göncz in 2000 and by Emperor Akihito in 2002.

In addition to the strengthening of political relations, the last 15 years have witnessed a significant leap forward in the areas of economy, culture and arts. Due to the development of our economic cooperation, Japan has become one of Hungary’s most important trading partners. Investments in Hungary by Japanese companies exceed USD 2 billion.