Péter Szijjártó met with Maka Bochorishvili, Foreign Minister of Georgia.Continue reading
The European Union is exerting strong pressure for Ukraine to become a member of the EU before the Western Balkan countries, but this is out of the question, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Budapest on Monday.
At a press conference with his North Macedonian counterpart Timcho Mucunski, the Hungarian Minister pointed out that while the accession of the Western Balkan states would be beneficial for the community, Ukrainian membership would destroy the functioning of the community from an economic and security point of view. He added that no one can think that Ukraine is in a better state today than any of the Western Balkan countries. “This is simply nonsense, and if the Western Balkan countries are in a better state, we do not see why they should wait,” he emphasized.
Mr. Szijjártó went on to say that
the case of North Macedonia illustrates the double standards applied by the European Union, since the country has been a candidate for 20 years, and some governments continue to block the integration process.
“And interestingly enough, these countries are never accused of undermining European unity or of serving Russian interests, while we Hungarians are under constant attack when we stand up for the rights of the Hungarians of Transcarpathia and make it clear that until the Hungarians of Transcarpathia get back their previously held rights, we see no possibility for Ukraine to move forward in the EU accession negotiations,” he stressed.
The Foreign Minister also expressed his solidarity with the tragic nightclub fire in Kočani, in which dozens of young people lost their lives, and said that friendship must be strengthened in times of trouble. “I would like to underline once again that Hungary has stood and continues to stand by the side of North Macedonia in living through and dealing with this very serious tragedy.
We contacted each other almost immediately after the tragedy and Hungary immediately provided assistance to North Macedonia, as it is obvious that no health care system can face the consequences of such a great tragedy alone and immediately,”
he said.
He noted that six injured people are currently being treated in Hungary and the government is ready to provide further support if needed. “We have assured the families concerned of our sympathy and we are of course praying for the recovery of all those who are still being cared for,” he emphasized.
Péter Szijjártó also pointed out that a bilateral government summit had recently been held, at which it was agreed that Hungarian companies would be given the opportunity to participate in infrastructure development programs in North Macedonia. He mentioned that an inter-governmental agreement between the two foreign ministries is being prepared, which will offer significant opportunities for domestic companies.
Via MTI, Featured photo via Facebook/Péter Szijjártó