Sarajevo: Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, stated that Hungary’s example demonstrates the ability to enforce national interests while remaining a loyal member of the European Union and NATO. Szijjártó emphasized the importance of maintaining state sovereignty during his visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday.
According to About Hungary, the minister highlighted recent election victories by pro-peace and patriotic forces, which he believes offer the strongest hope yet for a return to peace in Europe. At a joint press conference with Milorad Dodik, president of the Republika Srpska, Szijjártó noted the success of elections in Austria, Republika Srpska, and the United States. “Pro-peace, patriotic forces and pro-peace, patriotic leaders won everywhere,” he stated, adding that this victory provides stability and the potential for significant economic growth in Central Europe.
Szijjártó expressed that the new political climate allows Hungary to continue its responsible neighborhood policy,
focusing on the European integration of the Western Balkans and economic development initiatives. He mentioned a successful 26 million euro program aiding agricultural businesses in Republika Srpska, enabling them to purchase equipment manufactured in Hungary. The minister confirmed plans to expand this initiative to support a wider range of small businesses.
Additionally, Hungarian companies are preparing to contribute to the construction of a solar park, a wind farm, and a sewage treatment plant in Republika Srpska. Szijjártó emphasized that the recent election outcomes provide an opportunity for international and Western Balkan politics to return to mutual respect. He called for an end to politics based on threats and sanctions and advocated for strengthened civilized dialogue with elected leaders.
The minister highlighted the current favorable conditions for achieving peace in Ukraine, expressing hope for success in President Donald Trump’s peace plans. “Every single day of war brings more casualties, m
ore destruction, and more suffering,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for Europe to pursue a new strategy. Szijjártó expressed confidence that Trump’s victory would bolster voices of peace and mutual respect in Europe, urging Brussels to engage more respectfully with Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Bosnian Serbs.
