“New waves of migration could set out for Europe as a result of the coronavirus pandemic; this must be prevented in view of the fact that in addition to a security risk, illegal migration now also represents major health and economic risks”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó highlighted at a joint press conference with his Cypriot counterpart in Nicosia on Friday.

Mr. Szijjártó reported on the fact that he and Nikos Christodoulides had agreed that it is in the joint interests of the two countries for there to be strict border controls along the European Union’s external borders. He underlined that firm action must be taken against people smuggling networks, and against non-governmental organisations that work in cooperation with them. The politician said that the renegotiation of the Cotonou Agreement between the European Union and the countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Ocean regions, which the parties would like to extend beyond 2020, will be on the agenda over the coming weeks. “Brussels will be making another attempt to legalise migration and to admit further migrants into Europe, but we oppose this in the strongest possible terms”, he declared, adding that he is preparing for “extremely tough debates” on the issue in the upcoming period. The Minister underlined that millions of people in Europe have lost their jobs in recent months because of the coronavirus pandemic, and they need to be given assistance, while “the arrival of more immigrants would upset job market processes, which is at odds with the interests of the European people”. During the course of the morning, Mr. Szijjártó also held talks with President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade / MTI)