President Katalin Novak and her Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis discussed on Wednesday the wars in Ukraine and Israel, as well as Romania’s accession process to the Schengen area.
Other topics on the agenda of the meeting at Sandor Palace in Budapest included national minorities, Hungary’s EU presidency in 2024 and economic, energy and transport ties, Novak told a conference subsequent press.
“The situation of national minorities is important for both of us and for us Hungarians the fate, present and future of the Hungarian community in Transylvania are particularly important…” Novak said.
The last time a Romanian head of state made an official visit to Hungary was 14 years ago, she stressed. “Today’s meeting is therefore of historic importance,” she added.
The president said the aim was to continue pragmatic relations between Hungary and Romania, worthy of important neighboring countries.
Both Hungary and Romania have made their positions on the war in Ukraine clear, emphasizing that they condemn Russia’s aggression against its neighbor and strive to help Ukraine in its defense. Hungary is providing all necessary humanitarian aid to those fleeing Ukraine, she stressed.
Ukraine is home to a significant number of Hungarian and Romanian national minorities, Novak said, adding that they count on the cooperation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to address violations of minority rights and to do everything possible to uphold these rights. .
Regarding the war in Israel, Novak said Hungary had expressed its sympathy and support for Israel “in this tragic situation.” The president added that she would attend a service organized by the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (MAZSIHISZ) and the Jewish community of Budapest.
Novak said she and Iohannis agreed that supporting the local Hungarian community contributes to Romania’s development and that easing tensions was therefore a common interest.
Romania’s place is in the Schengen area, the president said, calling it “unfair” that the country has not yet been allowed to join the European Union’s passport-free zone. Hungary assures Romania of its continued support, she said, adding that there was no need to create a Schengen border between the two countries.
Regarding Hungary’s upcoming EU presidency, Novak said the country wants to achieve results in the integration of Western Balkan countries and that handling the demographic crisis will also be a priority.
Furthermore, Novak said that economic ties between Hungary and Romania were flourishing. Romanian exports to Hungary increased 1.5 times, while the number of border crossings between the two countries increased to 14, she said, adding that there was still untapped potential in relations bilateral economic.
Regarding energy, she said Hungary was working to diversify its energy sources, counting on Romania. She said she and Iohannis also agreed to strengthen bilateral energy relations.
In response to a question, Novak said Hungary condemned the terrorist attack against Israel and intended to do everything possible to prevent an escalation of the conflict. More and more armed conflicts of unprecedented intensity are breaking out across the world and many world leaders are working to prevent this from escalating into a third world war, she said, adding that wise and judicious decisions were necessary.
