This is what Hungary and the Maldives have in common

The negative effects of the war in Ukraine can be felt in both the Maldives and in Hungary, despite the many thousands of kilometres that separate them, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said, adding that “both countries belong to the global pro-peace majority”.

The ministry cited Szijjártó telling a joint press conference with Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid that their meeting had been “an event of diplomatic history”, marking the first visit by a Maldivian foreign minister to Hungary.

Despite the large distance between the two countries, they are tied by two issues that have a decisive influence on the future, he said.

“One is that we both belong to the peace camp,” he said. Meanwhile, inflation and the drastic increase in food and energy prices affected both countries, he added.

“We agree that this war must be condemned but we understand that this conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield. We both want peace because only peace can save lives, and we agree that this war can have no winners, only losers,” he said.

The other issue on which the countries fully agree is the importance of environmental protection, he added.