Government Ready to Continue Economic Development Program in Vojvodina

Relations between Hungary and Serbia are historically at their best, which also proves that the Hungarian community beyond the border is a resource in the cooperation with neighboring countries, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Budapest on Wednesday.

At a press conference following his meeting with Bálint Pásztor, President of the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (VMSZ), the Foreign Minister stressed: “Serbia, Vojvodina, and the VMSZ together are proof that the foreign policy strategy is the right one, based on building better relations with neighboring countries. Because the better the relations with a neighboring country, the better the situation of the Hungarian national community living there.”

“The Hungarians of Vojvodina have also proved that it is right to consider the Hungarian national community beyond the border as a resource in terms of the bilateral relations we build with that country,” Péter Szijjártó added. He stressed that when planning its foreign policy strategy, the government always gives priority to building good relations with neighboring states, and always stands up for the Hungarian national community living in these countries.

It may seem like a hackneyed phrase by now, but we have worked very hard to be able to say this, and that is why we have to say it every time that the best relations and the best cooperation between Hungary and Serbia in history are now in place,”

he said.

He then pointed out that this could not have been possible without the VMSZ, as the Hungarian minority party proposed that

the Hungarian government launch a comprehensive economic development program in Vojvodina, which has so far provided more than 14,000 local companies with HUF 80 billion (EUR 202.7 million / 1 EUR=395 HUF) in grants, resulting in a total of HUF 170 billion in investments.

“This is good for everyone, good for Serbia, good for Vojvodina, good for the Hungarians of Vojvodina, and good for us who live here in the motherland. Therefore, both the VMSZ, representing the Hungarians of Vojvodina, and the Hungarian government are ready to continue the economic development program in Vojvodina,” he said.

The minister underlined that cross-border infrastructure and the possibility to cross the border in as many places as possible play an important role in maintaining contacts, and therefore, at the request of the VMSZ, it was decided to change the Röszke-Horgos 2 crossing point from a limited to a 24-hour opening. He also pointed out that the development of the Hercegszántó border crossing will soon be launched with Interreg funding, in order to take the burden off the busy crossing.

Finally, he stressed that during the Hungarian EU presidency, the government will focus on speeding up enlargement and combating illegal immigration.

Hungary has always been on Serbia’s side when it comes to EU enlargement, and we would like Serbia to become a member of the European Union as soon as possible, which is also in the interest of the Hungarians of Vojvodina,”

he said.

The minister also expressed the hope that as many Hungarians with dual citizenship as possible would participate in the European Parliament elections. He also touched upon the issue of migration: “In regard to the fight against illegal migration, I would like to express my appreciation to the VMSZ and its president, because without their perseverance, the exemplary strict police action on the Serbian side of the border would certainly not have been possible, which has led to a significant improvement in living conditions and security on the Vojvodina side of the border.”

Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Máthé Zoltán