SZIJJÁRTÓ: BUDAPEST ATTACHES GREATEST IMPORTANCE TO REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, NOVEMBER 27 /SRNA/ – Hungary attaches the greatest importance to Republika Srpska because it understands the significance of stability and security in this area, said Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó.

He stated that this is the consequence of history, which must be lived with, and that one must remain aware of its impact and be ready to face the challenges that arise from it. Szijjártó emphasized that relations with Republika Srpska have always been important for Hungarians because they are based on mutual respect, friendship, and aimed at mutual benefit. "This has been a very successful relationship so far, and in Budapest we remain committed to further strengthening our cooperation. It is good to see cooperation supported by the leadership of Republika Srpska, and I am certain that in the future it will be even stronger and more successful than it is today," Szijjártó stressed. Speaking about Hungary’s relations with countries of the region, Szijjártó said that Hungary is pursuing a strategy that Budapest refers to as a responsible neighbourhood policy. "This means that the security and stability of the Western Balkans are not only of great importance to Hungary, but represent our highest interest of national security. Because in our eastern neighbourhood a war has been ongoing for nearly four years. If there were to be a national security challenge coming from the south, that would be tragic for us," Szijjártó underlined. He noted that Hungary supports the Western Balkans by all possible means in order to maintain security, stability, and peace in the region, whether through economic development, European integration, or cooperation in education. "Hungary fully supports EU enlargement to countries that would strengthen the bloc, because everyone is aware that the Balkan countries, waiting for EU membership for 15, 16, 17 or more years, are far more prepared than Ukraine. They are developing very quickly, implementing the necessary reforms, and would undoubtedly improve the EU’s security and economic strength, while Ukraine, on the other hand, would bring war, mafia, and other serious problems. We Hungarians know very well that the Western Balkan countries are ready, and we want them to join the EU because that would strengthen the Union. Ukraine would not only weaken Europe, but would introduce numerous dangers into the bloc," Szijjártó told RTRS. The Hungarian foreign minister stressed that Hungary, just as during its EU presidency last year, continues to support accelerating EU enlargement toward the Western Balkans, as a neighbouring country that knows very well how important this would be both for the region and for Europe.