Ties between Hungary and Austria are “excellent”, President Tamás Sulyok’s office told MTI in a statement after talks between the presidents of the two countries in Vienna on Wednesday.
Hungary-Austria ties ‘excellent’, President says
Sulyok and Alexander Van der Bellen agreed that “in the current, extraordinary times good and balanced ties between neighbouring countries as well as regular communication are more important than ever,” the statement said, adding that bilateral economic and cultural ties were also excellent, based on a strategic partnership and centuries of historical contact.
According to the statement, Sulyok expressed his support to plans to open a Hungarian language secondary school in Vienna.
On the subject of traffic restrictions at the Hungary-Austria border, they agreed that finding an early resolution to the problems and ensuring smooth crossing was in the interest of both countries, the statement said, noting “constructive talks” between the two governments.
Sulyok informed his counterpart about objectives of Hungary’s European Union presidency, while both presidents highlighted the importance of increasing the EU’s competitiveness, adding that a speedy accession of the Western Balkans to the EU was crucial.
Sulyok also invited Van der Bellen to an official visit to Budapest.
Other meetings
According to the statement, Sulyok also met House Speaker Wolfgang Sobotka, and discussed issues around the war in Ukraine, and protection to the rights of ethnic minorities.
At the talks, Sulyok noted Hungary’s “zero tolerance for anti-Semitism” and expressed Hungary’s support for Israel and that country’s “right to self-defence”. Sulyok condemned all forms of terrorism, but added that “the Palestinian people and Hamas are not the same”.
Sulyok also noted that Vienna’s Collegium Hungaricum, “the first Hungarian cultural institution abroad”, was celebrating its first centenary this year.
After his talks, the president laid a wreath of commemoration at a monument of Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis at Vienna’s medical university.
Photo: MTI
In a speech before the opening concert of Hungary’s EU presidency held in the evening, the president highlighted the importance of avoiding the erosion of European values and of preserving them “for the success of the European community”, as well as improving competitiveness.
Each member state should fulfil its tasks and duties
“We want to guarantee a good life for ourselves, our children and grandchildren, and we need a strong and stable Europe for that, one that is proud of its values,” Sulyok said.
“There is no need for a one-size-fits-all Europe, the free collision of opinions is a trademark of democracy,” he said.
The EU’s strength is in the “special nature and constitutions” of the individual member states, he added.
In the face of challenges, each member state should fulfil its tasks and duties “as they see fit, to the benefit of the entire community,” he said.
“It is not fair to doubt others’ goodwill and deep concern for the future of Europe.”
Sulyok added that Hungary was counting on Austria’s support during the presidency.
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4 Comments
After talking about anti-Semitism did Sulyok go on to push the anti-Semitic Fidesz myth about the “Soros Network” controlling the world?
Soros was never a practicing Jew. Soros will betray his own mother (who thank God now is dead) for power. There are criminals in every nation. Soros cannot be considered Hungarian; he was born there but left the country. Early on he betrayed the citizens by enjoying the persecution of Jewish Hungarians with his godfather. The Germans are ashamed of Hitler, Hungarians feel the same about Soros when Hungary is mentioned in connection with that creep. Keep him and his descendants out of the country, do not let him or his descendants soil Hungary’s pristine lands.
Imajine you live in the country with most Billionares and Soros inc is biggest funder of left wing crazy and the biggest money behind the DNC. The Stalin justice system domininates the US biggest cities and states. The child bitcoin kid is now in jail and was second biggest donor to the DNC
By the standards proposed by the Habsburg wannabe, Béla Bartok can no longer be considered a Hungarian. Nor any of those Hungarians who left the country: Harry Houdini, Joseph Pulitzer, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Tony Curtis, Béla Lugosi, László Bíró, Jozsef Pulitzer and millions over the centuries that are not famous. The list could go on for a long time. All of those former Hungarians, they should never be allowed in Hungary? Even the memories of those who have passed away? Just because they left the country? And their descendants too? This way of thinking is another example of the crazy lack of reason some people spew. Lucky for me, Hungarians welcomed me when I returned. My grandparents had left Hungary in the 20th century. Do you live in Hungary Mvt?
Also, do you have reliable sources or credible examples of actions by Soros that would suggest he would betray his own mother? Or that “Early on he betrayed the citizens by enjoying the persecution of Jewish Hungarians with his godfather.”? Where did you find these “truths”?
And do you really think the Nazis cared if Soros, or any of the other poor souls they slaughtered, were practicing Jews? Mvt, you’re statement astounds in its lack of reason and incoherent rambling. Oddly, of all those Hungarians I’ve met who claim to be Christian, very few are practicing.
And China and Korea are soiling Hungary’s ‘pristine’ lands more than the footsteps of Soros ever could, thanks to the current rulers of Hungary.