“Serbia is becoming increasingly strong, and it has gained strength because its leaders have not ignored national interests”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó emphasised on Friday in Belgrade at a campaign event held by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

“A few years ago, it would have been inconceivable for a Hungarian Foreign Minister to take part in a campaign event organised by the Serbian governing party. The fact that I am here is proof of the fact that even the most difficult things can be solved if we believe in them”, Mr. Szijjártó highlighted. “Changing this is the result of personal efforts”, he added, pointing out that Serbia’s President, Hungary’s Prime Minister, and the leaders of Fidesz, the Serbian Progress Party and the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians have all contributed to improving relations. “Today, we can now state that the Serbians and Hungarians are friends, and that in fact relations between the two countries have never been as good as they are now. It is time for us to recognise that there is much more in favour of cooperation than against it”, he stated.

Mr. Szijjártó drew attention to the fact that Central Europe is continuously gaining in strength. “The reason for this seems simple: governments are practicing their own national policies despite all pressure. However, a strong Central Europe also requires a strong Serbia”, he added. The Minister said he is sure that the Hungarians and Serbians will be capable of great things in future, because the leadership of both countries is founded on strong values. “We are proud of our homeland, our history, our faith and our religious heritage, and are prepared to defend them”, he underlined. Mr. Szijjártó explained that political stability is particularly important to both Hungary and Serbia. “This is a great treasure, that many are attempting to take away through eternal intervention, incitement and packs of lies”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade stressed.

He pointed out that there have been such attempts in Hungary recently, but that they were unsuccessful. Mr. Szijjártó expressed his firm belief that the same will occur in Serbia. The Minister underlined that the Hungarians have great appreciation for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and particularly because he regards the Hungarian community in Vojvodina as an energy source. “We also appreciate the fact that out of all of our neighbours Serbia affords the most minority rights to the Hungarian national community”, Mr. Szijjártó added. He pointed out that Hungary treats the Serbian minority in a similar manner, is supporting them, and is encouraging them to experience their Serbian identity and nurture their traditions, because that also enriches Hungary.

Mr. Szijjártó also spoke about the slow progress being made with regard to Serbia’s accession to the European Union. “Serbia deserves to become a member of the European Union at the earliest opportunity”, he said. “If it depended on us, Serbia would already become a member of the EU tomorrow”, the Minister explained,  adding: “It is unacceptable for them to talk down to you, and by doing so to artificially slow the accession talks”. “The European Union will also become stronger if Serbia joins the EU”, he underlined in closing.

According to estimates, around a hundred thousand people attended the rally held by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade on Friday. The Serbian President began his “Future of Serbia” tour of the country a few months ago, the climax of which was the event in Belgrade, at which several well-known Serbian singers and bands gave performances.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade/MTI)