Conference focuses on challenges, opportunities in Africa

Budapest (MTI) – Challenges and opportunities in the African continent were in focus at an international conference organised by the recently set up Hungarian general staff’s scientific research centre in Budapest on Thursday.

Zoltan Orosz, the deputy chief of the Hungarian army, emphasised the complexity and diversity of issues faced by the African continent today. These include terrorism, and tribal and religious conflicts, he said.

On the other hand, Africa is extremely rich in raw materials and natural resources, and has a lot of cultural values, he added.

Marton Schoberl, director of the Hungarian Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade, said Hungary gives special preference to the African region in line with the country’s foreign policy objective of opening to the south.

The continent, particularly its northern region which is important for Europe’s security policy, requires special attention from the point of view of tackling migration, he said.

But Africa also hosts the world’s most rapidly developing economies and Hungary should tap the investment and business opportunities offered there, he added.

The foreign ministry has set up a separate department for African affairs with the task to promote bilateral relations with individual countries on the continent, he said.

Andras Szabo, the head of the department, said that Hungary has been expanding its diplomatic missions in Africa, with decisions made on opening new embassies in Ethiopia, Ghana and Angola over the past 12 months. Plans are also afoot to review and expand consular services there, he said.

Photo: Tunde Racz / http://www.honvedelem.hu

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters