Hungarian diplomacy will focus on enforcing the country's economic interests in the most effective way possible, new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said on Wednesday.
The Minister outlined the new structure of the ministry, announcing major personnel changes in the body, which will be introduced to reflect Hungarian interests.
Minister Szijjártó convened a consultation with the seven parliamentary parties by Thursday, and would also consult with his predecessors, he said.
He also announced that he would pay his first official visit abroad to Bratislava next Tuesday.
In reply to questions, he underlined that the United States is Hungary's strategic ally and friend; however, we should protest whenever remarks lacking a factual basis are made. He added that he would visit Washington, DC in late October to have economic and political talks.
Concerning Ukraine, the Minister stressed that Hungary advocates a negotiated settlement and doubts the effectiveness of sanctions. He emphasised that central Europe's strength lays in cooperation, which is a vested interest of the Visegrád Four.
Speaking about Hungarian-Romanian relations, he noted that bilateral cooperation is of strategic importance, adding that Hungary strives for effective, balanced and stable relations.
Concerning Tibor Navracsics's nomination for European commissioner, the Minister said the government had delegated the best possible candidate.
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
