The recently held constructive negotiations and the new building of the Hungarian Embassy in Zagreb testify to a strong partnership between Croatia and Hungary, the Minister of State for European Union Relations of the Prime Minister’s Office said at an event held on the occasion of the Statehood Day of Croatia. The Minister of State highlighted that the two countries are facing similar challenges in the European Union regarding the issue of migration.

Judit Varga said, similar to the Hungarian people, the Croatian people, too, had to conquer the communist past when in June 1992 they established their own state. Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, and managed to conclude the accession talks during Hungary’s EU presidency, the politician recalled. She also highlighted that the two countries are compelled to cope with similar challenges in Europe, such as immigration, security threats and Brexit. For this reason, Croatia and Hungary must work together for a competitive and strong Central and Eastern European region, Judit Varga added.

The Minister of State further stressed that earlier, during her visit to Zagreb, she experienced openness and a constructive approach which are key to maintaining European dialogue and cooperation. This dialogue must be based on mutual respect and understanding, and the Croatian people, too, share this view, Judit Varga said concluding her speech.

(MTI)