Budapest: Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, emphasized the importance of further developing economic and energy cooperation between Hungary and Belarus, focusing on areas not affected by sanctions. During a joint press conference with Belarusian counterpart Maxim Ryzhenkov, Szijjártó stated that the current global security situation is at its worst since World War II, highlighting the need for stabilization.
According to About Hungary, Minister Szijjártó stressed that wars cannot be resolved through military means, as they lead to more casualties and destruction. He advocated for solutions through negotiation and peace talks, particularly concerning the Ukraine conflict. He noted that Hungary has been feeling the negative impacts of war for a thousand days and reiterated the country’s desire for peace, despite having no responsibility for the war’s outbreak.
Szijjártó highlighted that Hungary’s pro-peace stance is in the minority among European political leaders but remains prevalent g
lobally. He asserted Hungary’s sovereign right to maintain diplomatic communication with any country, emphasizing that closing these channels would undermine hopes for peace.
On Hungary-Belarus relations, Szijjártó reiterated the mutual goal of enhancing economic and energy cooperation, noting a 19 percent growth in trade between the two nations this year. He pointed out significant growth in Hungarian exports, particularly in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, with substantial contributions from Hungarian companies to the Belarusian market.
Energy security was another focal point, with Belarus playing a crucial role in Hungary’s crude oil transit, accounting for 71 percent of shipments. Szijjártó underscored the importance of this route, as alternatives are currently insufficient to meet Hungary and Slovakia’s needs. He described Belarus as a reliable transit country, separating energy security from ideological issues.
In nuclear energy cooperation, Szijjártó mentioned Hungary’s construction of a power stat
ion using similar technology to Belarus’s, suggesting potential benefits from information exchange to expedite the project.
Szijjártó also offered Hungary as a venue for Dinamo Minsk’s UEFA Conference League games, demonstrating Hungary’s willingness to support Belarusian sports initiatives.
