Central-European countries must resolve their problems through direct, civilised dialogue; this is the only way to achieve genuine results, Péter Szijjártó said in his account of foreign policy issues rendered before Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade pointed out that Hungarian-Slovak relations, which have recently consolidated, are a good example. This is what we need also in the case of Romania, i.e. we should not argue for the sake of argument but with a view to finding a solution, Mr Szijjártó stressed when he informed the Committee of his earlier talks with the Romanian Foreign Minister.

The Hungaran Government will not accept any solution that may be contrary to the best interests of the Hungarian community, the Minister pointed out.

In the context of the foreign policy of the past one year, Péter Szijjártó said that energy security is at present the most important issue in Central-Europe. The Hungarian Government is seeking opportunities of diversification, and while a number of criticisms have been recently levelled against Hungary on account of its relations formed with Azerbaijan, that country represents an important gas supply option.

Regarding the fight against terrorism, the Minister said: the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent periods, the Islamic State and its allies have committed further acts of terror, and its terrorist activities are becoming increasingly intensified in Africa as well as in the Middle-East. Therefore, he takes the view that Parliament adopted the right decision when it contributed to the fight against the Islamic State by authorising the deployment of Hungarian military forces. The entire Hungarian contingency will have been deployed in Iraq by the end of August, he added.

Mr Szijjártó highlighted that the solution to the problem of migration should not be sought in Europe but outside Europe; we need peace, economic stability and an operational Libyan State. The correct solution from the viewpoint of all pragmatic, emotional and human rights considerations is to address the problem at its very roots. The goal to achieve is that there should not be a single human being, a single family that may be forced to leave their home, the Minister said. He remarked: at the same time, in addition to the masses of migrants coming from the Mediterranean, the migration pressure from the Western Balkans is an at least equally grave problem.

The Minister said in the context of the policy of southward opening that the development of Latin-America and Africa has aroused attention in every part of the world, and Hungary embarked on the establishment of relations with countries in these regions „at just the right time”.

In outlining the foreign trade data of the first two months of this year, Mr Szijjártó said that Hungarian exports increased by 5 per cent, and while exports significantly increased to almost all foreign markets, exports to Russia and Ukraine decreased due to the sanctions.

Regarding the Eastern Partnership summit to be held on 21-22 May in Riga, Péter Szijjártó said that it will be a meeting of historic importance where the EU will be required to take a progressive stance and to adopt courageous measures.

In the context of the cooperation of the countries of Central-Europe, the Minister stressed that the further intensification of relations between the countries of the Visegrád group (V4: Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia) is very important, and closer cooperation is essential in order to enhance Central-Europe’s political and economic significance.

In answer to the enquiry of Zsolt Németh (Fidesz), Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Szijjártó said: it is an opportunity and an obligation for the Visegrád group to help the Eastern Partnership countries. The V4 countries are able to provide the most authentic support with the attainment of a democratic transition as these countries have accumulated a wealth of experience in this regard.

He also added in answer to a question from György Schöpflin (Fidesz-KDNP), European People’s Party EP Member, that the V4 cooperation is an “elemental interest” of all Central-European countries.

In response to an argument raised by Márton Gyöngyösi (Jobbik), Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Minister highlighted that we must ensure that, in consequence of the changes, the Transcarpathian Hungarian community should not suffer any disadvantages.

Answering a question from Márta Demeter, a socialist MP, regarding Hungarian-US relations, Péter Szijjártó said that the political cooperation of the two countries has recently „calmed down and become much quieter”.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade/MTI)