Norwegian foreign minister hold talks in Hungary

Budapest, 2016. július 7. A Külgazdasági és Külügyminisztérium (KKM) által közreadott képen Szijjártó Péter külgazdasági és külügyminiszter (j) fogadja hivatalában Börge Brende norvég külügyminisztert 2016. július 7-én. MTI Fotó: KKM/Burger Zsolt

Budapest, July 7 (MTI) – Maintaining the unity of the European Union is highly important for both Hungary and Norway, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said after meeting his Norwegian counterpart, Borge Brende, on Thursday.

Sustaining the European Union’s strength and unity is important for Hungary as a member state and for Norway, which cooperates closely with the bloc, Szijjarto told a press conference.

Maintaining the EU’s travel-free Schengen area in its current form is also important for both countries, Szijjártó said, adding that the “policy of some institutions in Brussels on migration, for instance,” jeopardises Schengen.

On the subject of Britain’s referendum on leaving the EU, Szijjártó said Hungary firmly rejects putting pressure on Britain to formally announce its departure.

Brende said that as the EU faces unprecedented challenges, it is especially important for Hungary and Norway to develop closer dialogue.

Britain’s departure from the EU would weaken both the bloc and itself, he said, adding that member states should cooperate to maintain unity.

Speaking about bilateral ties, Szijjártó highlighted military, economic and energy cooperation. Cooperation between Hungarian oil and gas company MOL and its subsidiary in Norway is being strengthened, he added.