Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó in an interview with Hír TV said that open issues in Hungarian-U.S. political relations can only be resolved by mutual willingness.

The minister emphasised that Hungarian-U.S. political relations are burdened with several open issues and that it is Hungary’s best interest to resolve these issues as soon as possible. If corruption is the real problem of the U.S. government, the Hungarian government is ready to cooperate, however, it is not enough to fight against corruption in general only, it is necessary to do so in every individual case as well, he explained. Therefore, the Hungarian government’s request for evidence is justified, he added. So far no information or document has been presented that could clarify in which exact cases and regarding whom the U.S. government raised its concerns, he noted.

Péter Szijjártó emphasised that it is easier for the Hungarian government to pursue a successful foreign affairs and foreign economic strategy, if the open issues with the United States of America are resolved. On behalf of the Hungarian government, there is total openness and definite willingness, which are the prerequisites of the resolution of the problem, however, it would be important to have the same attitude on both sides, as the open issues cannot be resolved unless there is mutual willingness, he said.

Talking about the three new U.S. investments to be realized in Hungary over the next few weeks, Péter Szijjártó said that the investments totalling to USD 15.5 million will concern two manufacturing companies and one service company, and will create all together 510 new jobs.

The cooperation with U.S. enterprises has always been smooth; they provide jobs to about 90 thousand people in Hungary, he said. He also underlined that so far, 9 strategic partnership agreements have been signed with U.S. companies and the 10th agreement will follow on Thursday.

The Minister also mentioned that the strategic partnership agreement does not involve any tax allowance or exemption from public procurement procedures, but it does encompass joint development projects, in order to encourage companies involved to work with as many Hungarian suppliers as possible. It also promotes cooperation with universities and vocational training institutions, and involves continuous consultation with the government, so that when making investment decisions, the companies decide in favour of Hungary.

Concerning the transatlantic free trade agreement, Péter Szijjártó explained that this may be one of the most important documents of world trade, so the relevant negotiations shall be conducted with the necessary thoroughness, calm, diligence and transparency. Talking about the disputed questions, he said that the GMO-free status is regulated by the Fundamental Law of Hungary, consequently the government has no leeway in this matter. Regarding investment protection, he said that OECD members should assume about each other that their legal systems are advanced enough to avoid the submission of disputes for arbitration, and to resolve such issues within the legal system of the given country instead.

The minister noted that ratification by the National Assemblies would be required for the agreement.

Regarding German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Budapest the Minister said that meetings organized in Budapest or Berlin in addition to their regular consultations in Brussels are justified by the importance of Hungarian-German relations.

Talking about the planned visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Budapest he said that the event has long been on the agenda, as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Moscow last year and two years ago as well. Consultations about the final date of the visit are still on-going, he added.

As concerns Tesco’s decision to close some of its stores in Hungary, Péter Szijjártó declared that the British company is the biggest foreign employer in Hungary. The government truly appreciates its activities in Hungary and regrets the recent decision of Tesco, but will continue to consult with the company as a strategic partner.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)