“Improving the competitiveness of Central Europe requires reinforcing the links between the countries in the region within the fields of both transport and energy, and this is why it is an important step that Hungary and Slovenia will be increasing the number of joint border crossing points and are also placing major emphasis on interconnecting the electricity and natural gas networks of the two countries”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said after receiving Slovenian Minister of Infrastructure Jernej Vrtovec on Wednesday in Budapest.

At the joint press conference, Mr. Szijjártó highlighted the fact that the interconnection of the two countries’ electricity networks will be realised by the end of next year, as a result of which a link between the two high voltage power networks will come about between Hévíz and Zirkovce. “The development project is already complete on the Hungarian side of the border, and preparations are underway in Slovenia, with physical construction work beginning in September”, he added. “This investment project represents a major step forward in Hungary’s electricity supply and in the establishment of a single electricity network for the whole region”, the politician declared.
He also reported on the fact that the parties have committed themselves to the construction of a Hungarian-Slovenian natural gas interconnector within the framework of a political agreement. “The significance of the decision is indicated by the fact that if the two countries are able to connect their natural gas networks, then Hungary will also be able to purchase gas from Italy”, Mr. Szijjártó stated, adding that connecting the two countries’ electricity and natural gas networks will lead to a major increase in the security of both their energy supplies.

Mr. Szijjártó also pointed out that there are currently 12 road border crossing points between Hungary and Slovenia, and the Joint Transport Committee, which has met again for the first time since 2015, will now put forward a proposal to the two governments for the location of further border crossing points. “In addition, during the meeting we also committed ourselves to the construction of the railway line connecting Zalaegerszeg and Beltinci, via Rédics and Lendva (Lendava)”, the Foreign Minister said. Mr. Szijjártó highlighted the fact that there is a close friendship and alliance between Slovenia and Hungary, which has improved further during the coronavirus pandemic.

Slovenian Minister of Infrastructure Jernej Vrtovec also reported on the fact that Wednesday’s meeting had reinforced the friendly relations between the two countries. He added that relations between the two countries are particularly good within the field of the economy, as Hungary is Slovenia’s seventh most important trade partner, and the two countries realised 2.14 billion euros in bilateral trade flow last year.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade/MTI)