Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi visits Budapest – UPDATE

A stable Egypt in terms of military, security and economic aspects is in Hungary’s “primary interest”, the prime minister said after talks with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, in Budapest on Monday.

Egypt is not only a country situated geographically close to Hungary, but is considered “a neighbour” also “in terms of politics,” Viktor Orbán said at a joint press conference after the meeting in Parliament.

Egypt plays a key role in its region but as such “has influence on our life as well,” Orbán said.

He called a successful fight against terrorism in Egypt a prerequisite of peace and stability in Europe as well.

“We regard Egypt as a country dedicated to maintaining stability with which it also defends Europe and Hungary,” Orbán said.

“That is why the success of your country is also in our interest,” he told the Egyptian president.

The people of Egypt are convinced that there is a need for stability and they are ready to pay the price, Fattah el-Sisi told the press conference.

The people of Egypt are ready to fight terrorism and take economic steps in order to achieve stability. It is not necessary to say thanks to Egypt for the protection of Christian communities because the country makes no difference between people on the basis of their religion and the Christian community is part of the Egyptian people and Egypt takes responsibility for them, he added.

The Egyptian president said that traditionally strong political ties with Hungary are a good foundation for economic cooperation. He also thanked Hungary for promoting Egypt’s interests in the European Union.

Photo: MTI

Source: MTI