Hungary is clearly making maximum efforts in the fight against doping in the world of sports, but also says no to the principle of collective culpability, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó stated at his press conference held on Sunday evening, after he met with Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov before the closing ceremony of the World Aquatic Championships.

“In our view, forcing the athletes of some countries to participate in sporting events under neutral flags violates national sovereignty. We therefore support the international federations in all their efforts to take firm action against every athlete who may resort to doping, but we shall never support the idea that fellow-athletes should also be punished because of the doping offences of certain individuals”, he said. Hungary says no to the principle of collective culpability not only in politics and history, but also in sports, he stressed.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade further told the press that at the talks the parties also discussed the possibility of the involvement of Hungarian businesses in the next major sporting events to be held in Russia, such as the football World Cup, the winter Universiade and the World Boxing Championships. The Russian Sports Minister is open to reviewing the offers of Hungarian companies for infrastructure and sports projects during the course of the preparations as they can clearly see that Hungarian references are valuable in the organisation of major sports events, Mr Szijjártó highlighted. “This may offer Hungarian businesses and Hungary significant economic opportunities”, he added.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade/MTI)