Orbán cabinet wants to enhance cooperation between the EU and Central America

During Hungary’s European Union presidency this year, the government plans to work much on enhancing cooperation between the community and the countries of Central America, the foreign minister said in Panama City on Tuesday local time.

Szijjártó noted at a joint press conference with Panamanian counterpart Janaina Tewaney Mencomo that the ratification of a partnership agreement between the EU and six Central American countries will be soon completed and its implementation will kick off during Hungary’s six-month presidency starting in July.

According to a ministry statement, he said this was greatly needed in the current era, when the world was moving towards the emergence of blocs, “which is bad news for both Hungary and Panama, both being on the side of connectivity”. He praised the role of the Panama Canal in facilitating unhindered East-West trade.

“When the use of such important arteries of world trade is rendered impossible as a due to a terror threat or armed conflict, it can essentially knock out the entirety of world trade with a single blow…” he said.

“So Panama and Hungary jointly stand up for peace and support free and fair global trading,” he added.

“We have decided to form an alliance … to act against the emergence of blocs in the world and to broaden connectivity,” he said.

Hungary fights illegal migration with Panama

Szijjártó also mentioned illegal migration, stating that Hungary saw it as a danger and not as an opportunity, especially in terms of transit and target countries.