Hungary to cooperate with this East African country

Hungary-Madagascar ties are picking up pace, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said at a joint press conference with Madagascar counterpart Rasata Rafaravavitafika in Budapest on Friday, adding that they were poised to take ties forward.

Notwithstanding the geographical distance between them, both countries have highly similar views regarding key problems affecting the world, Szijjártó said, noting next year’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Both countries, he said, were in favour of peace and rejected any arms shipments that may escalate war and cause new human casualties.

After signing a memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries, Szijjártó also said that both countries were insistent on their sovereignty rights and rejected outside interference in their internal political affairs.

He said the return of mutual respect to international politics was “of fundamental importance”.

Meanwhile, the number of Hungarian tourists visiting Madagascar is on the rise, he said.

Also, Hungary and Madagascar will cooperate in the fight against climate change, based on common sense rather than the adherence to ideological beliefs, he said. The Hungary Helps scheme has ploughed 45 million forints into supporting reforestation projects in Madagascar, he noted, saying this helped to curb soil erosion and preserve biodiversity.

Further, the countries are cooperating on promoting agricultural activities suited to local conditions with the development of drought-resistant plants and seeds, effective water management and the provision of safe water supplies, he said, noting that the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences is launching several joint research and projects with its local partner there.

Szijjártó also noted that ten Madagascar students can study at Hungarian universities each year.

Referring to the tropical cyclone that hit Madagascar the previous day, he said Hungary is donating HUF 5 million in emergency aid to the country for families in the most pressing situations, and was also ready to cooperate on restoring life there to normal.

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