Even though we have received news raising concern regarding the security of Transcarpathia recently, by appointing a governor, the Ukrainian Government clearly indicates that it is serious about keeping public order intact in the region, said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szíjjártó on Wednesday in Budapest.
The Minister received Hennadiy Moskal, the Governor of Transcarpathia and the President of the Transcarpathia County State Office for Administration, and emphasised, following their negotiations, that Hungary was glad to hear about the actions taken by the governor and appreciates the results he has achieved so far regarding the security of Transcarpathia. The Minister expressed the Hungarian Government’s full support for his measures taken to ensure safe and calm life that is highly important to the local Hungarian community.
Péter Szíjjártó reminded the audience that cooperation with Ukraine, including Transcarpathia, has always been a significant part of Hungarian foreign policy. Hungary firmly stands by the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as a strong, economically and politically stable Ukraine is in the interest of the State.
The Minister argued that in order to achieve this, a number of reforms are needed. Implementing such reforms in wartime, however, is very difficult. Hungary has offered its experience in transitioning major systems, acquired during and following the regime change, the Minister said. The Minister also mentioned the fact that Hungary has offered an aid of USD 7.1 million to Transcarpathia so far, and granted USD 750 000 to the other regions of Ukraine. Furthermore, Hungarian diplomats and observes are working in the Ukrainian mission of the OSCE and the European Union.
Péter Szíjjártó emphasised that the aim is to develop even stronger economic relations with Transcarpathia, therefore, they are opening new border crossing points. In addition, Eximbank is ready to finance the road constructions necessary for invigorating economic life in Transcarpathia, including the bypass road at Beregszász, and the road connecting Beregszász and Munkács.
The Minister highlighted the aspiration of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county and Transcarpathia to begin working towards creating an EU regional association this year as a unique initiative, which would provide Transcarpathia with access to new EU funds. The importance of developing Hungarian language education and education in Hungarian was also mentioned. As the Minister recalled, numerous soldiers injured in the Ukrainian war received medical treatment in Hungary, an opportunity that will remain available in the future.
The Minister stated that it is important to preserve the existing rights of the local Hungarians during the decentralisation reforms and the amendment of the constitution in Ukraine. The governor reassured the Minister of his commitment to this objective. Hennadiy Moskal emphasised that they have been unable to allocate enough funds for economic and social programmes, border crossing points, road construction and schools; therefore, they are grateful for the help offered by Hungary.
The governor said that they are doing their best to alleviate the pressure from illegal migration and have already reinforced border security when they had experienced tension in Mukacheve during the summer. Over the course of the last three weeks, Transcarpathia had also experienced migration pressure on the Hungarian, Romanian and Slovakian border section, and the Government is doing everything it can to pre-empt escalation.
The governor also mentioned the issue of the increasing salt-content of the Tisza, which may potentially threaten the quality of water in the Danube as well. The cooperation of the water management authorities is required to address this issue. As part of its visit to Budapest, the Ukrainian delegation also met Ministerial Commissioner István Joó, with whom the delegation has examined the current state of the joint work undertaken within the framework of the Danube Strategy, with particular attention to the role of Hungary in restoring the wastewater treatment plants of Transcarpathia, and to addressing the ecological emergency in Solotvyno.
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
