Hungarian FM: Hungary-Oman cooperation key to achieving environmental goals

The cooperation between Hungary and Oman is proof that economic growth and modernisation is compatible with environmental protection, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Thursday.

At the same time, the war in Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis has been felt around the world, Szijjártó told a press conference after talks with Omani Economy Minister Said Mohammed Al Saqri.

The European Union’s sanctions on Russia have interrupted important supply lines and thriving cooperations, and point towards the re-emergence of blocs in the world economy, he said.

Blocs are usually detrimental for economies which prosper in wide networks and connectivity, he said. Hungary, an open economy, has done a lot to improve its competitiveness, as shown by record exports achieved in the first four months of this year, he said.

He called for a speedy free trade agreement between the EU and the Gulf states, and visa exemptions to the Schengen Area for the latter.

Cooperation is all the more important as Gulf states have brought about domestic economic modernisation hand in hand with environmental protection, he said.

Similarly, Hungary is proud to be “one of the 20 states which managed to increase economic performance while cutting greenhouse emissions,” he said.

Hungary’s cooperation with Oman will be built on the recognition that “economic modernisation is possible alongside the protection of the environment,” he said.

Oman is set to become a global hub of green hydrogen production, and Hungary aims to become its primary partner in central Europe, he said. “Hungary has done much to create a full circular economy, basically eliminating waste from economic production,” he said.

Talks are under way with an Omani company on a facility in Hungary, to the tune of HUF 90 billion (EUR 237.8m), designed to recycle some 60 million litres of used oil a year, he said.