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Bilateral dialogue between Hungary and Slovakia should not only be maintained but also strengthened, said President Tamás Sulyok at a joint press conference with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Budapest. The Slovak politician stressed that Slovakia will not join any attempt or activity to boycott the Hungarian EU presidency.
At Thursday’s meeting, several priority areas aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership were reviewed, Tamás Sulyok noted. He added that, in connection with Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, he asked for Peter Pellegrini’s support so that Hungary could contribute to the control of illegal migration, the strengthening of European defense policy, the EU’s agricultural policy with a focus on farmers and the effective solution of demographic challenges.
On the topic of EU enlargement, Tamás Sulyok highlighted that
the two countries share a common position on the need to speed up the process of accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU.
He stressed that he had indicated to the Slovak President that while the EU is a larger federal and at the same time adaptive system, it is worthwhile to maintain and operate smaller local units, genuinely based on good dialogue and cooperation.
The relationship between #Hungary and #Slovakia is historical, brotherly and strategic
I welcomed @PellegriniP_ , the President of Slovakia, with military honours at Kossuth Square. pic.twitter.com/zAXXyoeRqs
— Dr. Tamás Sulyok (@DrTamasSulyok) July 18, 2024
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Hungarian Defense Forces, Tamás Sulyok emphasized that the continuous development of the army could contribute even more to the joint performance of air policing tasks. The Hungarian Head of State said that he had also signaled to his Slovak counterpart, in private, that Hungary opposes every form of aggression. “Human dignity is inviolable, it must be respected, preserved and defended”, he stressed, underlining that legal capacity is a fundamental natural right of every human being, meaning the freedom, peace and self-determination of individuals.
President of the Republic Tamás Sulyok (L) receives Slovak President Peter Pellegrini (R) at Kossuth Square. Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
Tamás Sulyok noted that they also discussed the situation of national minorities and agreed that it was in the interest of both sides to promote coexistence. He added that Hungary will make every effort to provide substantial support to the Slovak community in Hungary, “as caring for Hungarians around the world is a priority for us.”
During the joint press conference, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini emphasized that Slovakia will not join any attempt or activity to boycott the Hungarian EU presidency. He added that representatives of the Slovak government will participate and support all Hungarian initiatives.
President Pellegrini thanked Hungary for its commitment to extend the Hungarian Air Force’s patrols in Slovak airspace until the end of 2025, while the country makes its fleet of new U.S.-made fighter jets operational.
He also underlined that economic assistance between the two countries would continue to grow, not only in terms of trade but also in terms of labor.
The Slovak politician also said that particular attention would be paid to border infrastructure, with the number of crossing points increasing from 16 to 40, and that further attention would be paid to rail border links. In addition, Peter Pellegrini offered Slovakia’s experience and expertise in the field of nuclear energy.
Visiting our neighbours in #Hungary today. Had a good discussion with President @DrTamasSulyok. We discussed options of how to further expand numerous ties between our people and relations between our countries, including in trade, infrastructure, energy, culture and many other… pic.twitter.com/cAZ5SNLlQp
— Peter Pellegrini (@PellegriniP_) July 18, 2024
He underlined that they also agreed that the V4 (Visegrád Four: Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic) is a viable project and that there should be unity on all issues where they have common views. Mr. Pellegrini added that there were several issues, such as illegal migration and the protection of agriculture. He said he also asked Tamás Sulyok to include issues of importance to Slovakia, such as the issue of food of different quality in Europe, as a priority for Hungary during its presidency.
The Slovakian Head of State announced that during their meeting he had invited his Hungarian counterpart for an official visit to Slovakia.
Via MTI; Featured image via MTI/Bruzák Noémi