V4 Cooperation Makes the Region the Engine of the European Economy

Hungary is ready to further develop the V4 (Visegrad) cooperation, considered “a real success story,” and to strengthen trade and economic relations even further, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Budapest on Thursday.

Speaking at the Visegrad 4 Business Conference, the minister first underlined that the Visegrad cooperation is an important element of Hungary’s foreign policy strategy, and a real success story that has improved the position of Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia in Europe.

He said that humanity is currently living in an era of danger and added that Central Europe unfortunately remembers how much it has to lose by creating blocs in the world. “In Central Europe, we have all experienced what it means to be oppressed by the East and forgotten by the West,” he noted.

We are proud that the Visegrad countries have developed so quickly and spectacularly. In essence, the Central European region has become the engine of the European economy,”

he added.

The politician therefore regretted the increasing number of voices and initiatives in the EU aimed at separating the Eastern and Western economies. He also expressed disappointment that the previous model of economic growth, based on a combination of advanced Western technologies and Eastern energy sources, has been abolished and has not been replaced by anything else. “In Hungary we insist that physical reality should not be ideologized. This is why it is important to maintain well-functioning energy cooperation with the East, as this can ensure the future competitiveness of our economy,” he noted.

The minister reiterated the importance of Visegrad cooperation and noted that the focus should be on pragmatic issues. He underlined that

Slovakia is now Hungary’s second most important trading partner, that reflects “the pragmatic view and practical approach of the two governments.”

Bilateral trade turnover reached a new record, exceeding €15 billion last year, he said.

“Poland is our third largest trading partner, with the Czech Republic in sixth place. Currently, 180 Polish, 476 Czech and 975 Slovak companies operate in Hungary, providing jobs for around 30,000 people,” he added. “That is why I am in favor of improving economic cooperation (…) In cooperation with the Council of Slovak Exporters, we are aiming to break new records in trade between the two countries and with the other V4 countries,” he concluded.

Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Mónus Márton