Orbán calls for stronger Hungarian-German economic ties

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán highlighted the necessity for stronger business relations between Hungary and Germany, after talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Sopron, in western Hungary, on Monday.

“There are no developments in sight that could disturb Hungarian-German ties but there are some factors pressing for strengthening economic cooperation,” Orbán said. He added that the economy was in the focus of his talks and noted that Germany is Hungary’s top investor and trading partner.

Answering a question, Orbán said that central Europe was a contributor to Europe’s economic output and insisted that “the traditional German-French axis is now completed with considerations of the interests of central European peoples”.

“This is a new process”, he added, and went on to say that “central Europe will have a growing weight in European decision making; ties between Germany and central Europe will have a focal role in preserving Europe’s unity”.

Photo: MTI/Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Szecsõdi Balázs

At the press conference, Merkel highlighted challenges impacting the European Union’s future, and voiced agreement with incoming European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, who has called for a “new start”, policies aimed at increased integration between members of the European Union.

Merkel urged finding shared solutions for challenges in connection with economic and defence cooperation, as well as migration.

The chancellor thanked Hungary for opening its borders and allowing East German refugees to cross into Austria in 1989, thus contributing to restoring Germany’s unity.

Merkel also highlighted the importance of trade cooperation with Hungary.

Source: MTI