The Hungary Helps program has so far led to more than a quarter of a million people remaining in their homeland or returning there, he said.Continue reading
No effort should be spared to prevent a new wave of migration, all the more so because it would not only carry security and civilizational risks but contribute to the spread of the pandemic, too, Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s minister of foreign affairs and trade, said in Athens.
The European Union is going to face tough challenges as the international forces’ failure in Afghanistan will trigger a massive wave of migration, Szijjártó told a press conference after talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias.
The minister stressed the need to avoid the mistakes committed in 2015 but noted that some statements by west European leaders can once again be interpreted as invitations.
The two governments agree that the waves of migration should be halted as far from Europe’s borders as possible, he said, adding that migration policies should focus on the defense of borders.
“NGOs have no business along the borders, which should rather be zones of fences and armed forces,” the minister said.
Although Hungary concluded a long-term gas purchase agreement earlier this week, its government continues looking for opportunities to involve further import sources, Szijjártó said. Hungary has an interest in extracting gas fields in Israel and Cyprus, and establishing a new supply route between the Greek LNG terminals and central Europe, he added.
Szijjártó said that Hungarian-Greek trade turnover increased by 25 percent this year, and Hungary’s Eximbank had opened a 110 million euro credit line to boost trade links.
The two sides confirmed their commitment to protecting Christian communities. Further, Hungary is prepared to help restore Greek churches damaged by recent wildfires, Szijjártó said.
Featured image via Dániel Kiss/MTI
