Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto
Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto: Turkey is an Important Partner in Achieving Peace
During his visit to Turkey, Szijjarto discussed various topics, including Turkey-Hungary relations, the reshaping of Europe's security architecture, and global issues.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjarto, speaking about Europe's security architecture, said: "If you are talking about a sustainable and long-term peaceful and secure life for the people of Europe, then you cannot exclude either Russia or Turkey from these discussions."
Szijjarto stated that his country considers Turkey an ally, a friend, and a strategic partner, emphasizing that the two countries have managed to establish a strategic relationship in the most critical moments. He added that without Turkey, it would be impossible to discuss Hungary's energy security.
Expressing gratitude for Turkey's highly reliable role in ensuring energy supply security, Szijjarto noted that in 2024, trade volume between the two countries broke a record, bringing them even closer to achieving the annual trade target of $6 billion.
Highlighting the efforts of Turkey and Hungary in supporting peace amid the Russia-Ukraine war, Szijjarto said: "For the past three years, we have advocated for a ceasefire and called for peace talks. Those who now support a ceasefire were the same ones who criticized us for it and treated ceasefire discussions as a taboo subject."
Szijjarto stated that both countries could take pride in maintaining this stance and emphasized that they pursued a realistic and common-sense foreign policy strategy based on mutual respect.
Emphasizing the importance of achieving their annual goals, Szijjarto recalled that 2024 is the Turkish-Hungarian Cultural Year, which is significant in recognizing the similarities and cultural heritage shared between the two nations.
The minister also noted a major development in energy cooperation in 2024, with the first shipment of Turkish gas reaching Hungary.
Referring to the "Turkey-Hungary Science and Innovation Year" celebrated this year, Szijjarto said that cooperation between the two countries would expand into modern industries and energy, expressing satisfaction with this collaboration.
"If an Agreement is Reached Between the U.S. and Russia, This War Can End"
Speaking about the Russia-Ukraine war, Szijjarto stated: "We are currently hopeful that the war will end. This hope is based on ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Russia over the past few years. Our position is very clear: if an agreement is reached between the U.S. and Russia, this war can end."
Szijjarto expressed his hope for successful negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement and added: "Moreover, we expect Europe to adopt a stance that does not obstruct this peace process."
Recalling that Hungary is a Central European country, Szijjarto shared his perspective on Europe's security architecture:
"We know what it means to feel the world divided, to live in a world split into blocs. We know what it means to be invaded from the East and neglected by the West. We also know what it means to lose 40 years of our lives by being artificially included in a bloc we did not want. We do not want those times to return. We have no more decades to lose, which is why we advocate for a unified European security architecture. If you are talking about a sustainable and long-term peaceful and secure life for the people of Europe, then you cannot exclude either Russia or Turkey from these discussions. Because if you exclude a country with NATO's second-largest army and a country possessing one of the world's largest nuclear arsenals, you will not be able to build a sustainable security architecture for the continent."
Szijjarto stressed that for Hungary, it is clear that Turkey and Russia must be included in the preparation of this new European security architecture.
"Turkey is a Very Important Partner for Us"
Speaking about Turkey’s potential role in Europe's security architecture, Szijjarto stated: "When it comes to the fight for peace, Turkey is a very important partner for us."
He pointed out that Turkey and Hungary have represented this stance very well on the international stage over the past three years, stating: "On international platforms such as Europe and NATO, the countries that have most often spoken in favor of peace were Hungary and Turkey. That is why including a country that advocates peace in the new security architecture is crucial."
"Before U.S. President Donald Trump took office, the only person who successfully undertook a mediation role in the Russia-Ukraine war was President Erdoğan. Everyone remembers the Black Sea Grain Agreement, which was undoubtedly a success of the Turkish government and its president," said Szijjarto, emphasizing the importance of Turkey’s mediation role.
He also stated: "When it comes to rebuilding Europe's defense capacity, how can it be possible to exclude a country with NATO’s second-largest army?" Szijjarto emphasized that Turkey is a key country in maintaining peace and stability and that this role should be acknowledged.
"We Are Always Ready to Do Whatever is Necessary to Restore Peace to the Region"
Addressing a question about Israel's violation of the ceasefire, Szijjarto expressed deep sorrow over the events that have been unfolding in the region since October 7, 2023.
Minister Szijjarto said: "We are deeply saddened by the failure to uphold the original agreement to continue the ceasefire," adding that he hopes for a swift return to peace in the region, particularly considering the suffering of families and children who have no connection to the conflict.
Emphasizing that the events in Gaza pose a risk of escalating tensions in the region, Szijjarto urged attention to what is happening in Lebanon, Syria, and neighboring areas, stating:
"As Hungarians, we are always ready to do whatever is necessary to restore peace to that region. We are concerned that the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East could merge, creating serious risks for global security."
Netanyahu’s Possible Visit to Hungary Despite the ICC Arrest Warrant
Responding to a question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned visit to Hungary in April despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant and possible international reactions, Szijjarto said: "Whatever we do in foreign policy, we usually receive strong reactions from all sides. This is nothing new and is not surprising."
Szijjarto noted that Hungary hosts a large Jewish population and has good relations with Israel.
Regarding the ICC decision, Szijjarto stated: "Like many other international institutions, the ICC faces challenges such as bias, lack of balance, and politicization. That is why we Hungarians have not reconsidered our relationship with the ICC or our participation in its activities. Our government will soon make a decision on this matter."