“U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán apply a similar approach with relation to numerous major issues that concern the world, including migration, terrorism, patriotic politics and supporting Christian communities”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó declared in an interview for Israeli news channel i24 News in New York on Tuesday night, Central European time.

The show’s presenters asked Hungary’ chief diplomat about Monday’s American-Hungarian summit, amongst others, who in his reply pointed out that the United States is Hungary’s strategic ally, in addition to which it is its biggest trade partner after the European Union and also its second largest investor.

“The meeting in the White House was very important for Hungary, and clearly indicated the ‘chemistry’ between the two leaders”, Mr. Szijjártó highlighted.

“The mood of the negotiations was friendly and informal, and the private meeting lasted much longer than usual”, he stressed. The Minister said the United States and Hungary are on the same side concerning the fact that a fair and balanced approach must be applied with relation to Israel.

He said that in his opinion the European Union is not applying such an approach with relation to several issues, but Hungary is prepared to break ranks and apply its power of veto.

As an example, Mr. Szijjártó cited the UN Human Rights Council, in which Hungary has also gone against the majority on several occasions if the body has not occupied a balanced position towards Israel.

He also drew attention to the importance of the fact that Hungary recently opened a trade representation in Jerusalem. In reply to a question, the Minister confirmed that there are currently no plans to move Hungary’s embassy from Tel-Aviv.

Mr. Szijjártó declared that Hungary also maintains a strategic alliance and friendly relations with Israel. Hungary applies a policy of zero tolerance with relation to anti-Semitism, and “can be proud of the achievements of this policy”. “In Hungary, Holocaust denial is punishable by imprisonment, in addition to which the Government is funding the reconstruction and renovation of synagogues both in Hungary and abroad”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

(MTI)