Hungarian FM urges Brussels to speed up Montenegro accession talk

Hungary urges the European Union to speed up accession talks with Montenegro, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Tuesday.

Hungary would like the EU to open the three remaining chapters of accession talks and conclude them within four years, he told a press conference in Podgorica.

Hungary is a resolute and dedicated supporter of Montenegro’s EU integration, he said, adding that the security of the Western Balkans is a genuine European security interest and the fastest way to achieve it is EU integration, he said.

Montenegro has deservedly become a member of NATO and it also deserves to become an EU member, Szijjártó said.

“Podgorica is a pillar of stability in the Western Balkans, therefore the country’s EU integration would significantly contribute to the region’s stability, which has a significant influence on the security of the entire European continent,” he said.

Commenting on economic cooperation between Montenegro and Hungary, the minister said relations are gaining new impetus as a result of ongoing talks by Hungarian companies to invest in Montenegro in the areas of banking, energy and tourism.

Eximbank and Montenegro’s development and investment fund have signed a framework agreement, which will enable the necessary funding for companies to develop trade links, he added.

Szijjártó also noted an educational agreement which will enable thirty Montenegrin students to study in Hungary on state scholarship.

Szijjártó met the ministers of foreign affairs, education, economy and European integration and paid courtesy visits to President Filip Vujanovic, Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and House Speaker Ivan Brajovic.

Source: MTI