Hungary will deepen its cooperation with Serbia and Italy while taking a more active role in supporting the Western Balkans’ European future, Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said after a series of high-level meetings in Rome.
During her visit to the Italian capital, Orbán held talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, focusing on bilateral relations, regional stability and infrastructure development. According to the minister, one of the cornerstones of Hungarian-Serbian relations remains the protection of the Hungarian community living in Serbia’s Vojvodina region and the Serbian minority in Hungary.
She said both governments share responsibility for preserving the identity, rights and institutions of their respective national communities. The ministers also agreed to accelerate the development of north-south transport and energy infrastructure, while continuing joint efforts to combat illegal migration.
Orbán added that Hungary continues to support Serbia’s progress towards European Union integration, describing the country’s accession process as an important strategic priority.
Hungary joins Western Balkans Friends format
The minister also attended a meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans group, marking Hungary’s first participation in the initiative.
She stressed that the stability, transport and energy connectivity, as well as the economic development of the Western Balkans, have a direct impact on Hungary’s security and economic competitiveness. Strengthening cooperation with the region, she said, is therefore in Hungary’s national interest.
Closer cooperation with Italy
Orbán also met Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, with the two sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation between their respective ministries and turn political dialogue into practical partnerships.
The planned cooperation will cover a range of areas, including the economy, energy, defence policy, education and culture. According to the minister, closer ministerial-level contacts should lead to tangible projects benefiting both countries.
Diplomats praised for behind-the-scenes work
At the end of her visit, Orbán met staff from Hungary’s diplomatic missions in Rome and at the Holy See, as well as employees of the Hungarian Academy in Rome.
She highlighted the role of diplomats and experts working behind the scenes, saying their analysis, local knowledge, relationship-building and day-to-day representation of Hungary provide the foundation for foreign policy decisions taken in Budapest.
Summing up the visit, Orbán said Hungary was returning from Rome with a clear agenda. She called for continued policy dialogue with Italy, a stronger Hungarian role in shaping the European future of the Western Balkans, and efforts to turn the discussions held in Rome into concrete results that deliver practical benefits for Hungary.
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