Netanyahu, Orbán meet in Jerusalem
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Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, after talks with Israel’s prime minister in Jerusalem on Thursday, said he and Benjamin Netanyahu share the same views about a variety of 21st-century issues such as security, the fight against terrorism, border protection and anti-Semitism.
At a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Orbán said he and his Israeli counterpart agree that security is the number one issue today and that all nations have a right to their own security and a duty to protect their citizens.
Europe today is suffering from migration and terrorism, and these problems should be combatted, Orbán said.
He also touched on the issue of modern-day anti-Semitism, saying it was a concern in Europe. “We’re living in a time when anti-Semitism is rising in western Europe but is on the decline in central Europe,” Orbán said.
The prime minister noted that Hungary still has a policy of zero tolerance for anti-Semitism.
Hungary’s Jewish community is protected by the government, Orbán said. “We’re proud that people who openly identify as Jewish can feel safe in Hungary.”
Orbán said his government has “done a lot” to rebuild Jewish culture in Hungary, noting that the government has supported the renovation of synagogues and Jewish education.
He said Hungary was ready to cooperate with Israel in combatting anti-Semitism.
Hungary always urges international organisations to apply a fair and balanced approach to Israel, Orbán said, adding that the two countries will continue to cooperate closely at international forums.
As regards economic relations, the prime minister said bilateral economic cooperation was strong. He said there are 200 Israeli companies present in Hungary, mainly in the tech industry, employing some 5,000 people.
Orban asked Netanyahu to support the Hungarian Cultural Season to be organised in Israel next year.
He also asked his Israeli colleague to support the establishment of a museum for the Hungarian-speaking community in Israel. “We’re not asking for money, just goodwill and support,” he said.
Orbán noted that Netanyahu had paid a visit to Budapest last summer, and underscored the importance of his reciprocation of that visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of Israel’s founding.
He also noted that Hungary and Israel will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties next year.
Orbán is scheduled to meet President Reuven Rivlin later on Thursday. He will then meet David Lau, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, before visiting the Yad Vashem Memorial Center, where he will lay a wreath and plant a tree in the Grove of Nations.
Photo: MTI