Hungary’s economic development minister meets AIIB chief
Economic Development Minister Márton Nagy held talks with Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), his ministry said.
Nagy and Jin reviewed the current international financial and economic situation and potential opportunities for cooperation, with special regard to investments and active capital market participation, the ministry said in a statement.
Nagy emphasised China’s rise in global economic competition, calling the development of its financial system and improving competitiveness “exemplary”. Hungary believes in “peaceful connectivity”, he said, adding that Hungarian-Chinese relations were on upswing and that China and Chinese financial institutions were key partners for Hungary.
China is Hungary’s ninth most important trading partner, with bilateral trade turnover exceeding 13 billion dollars, Nagy said. Progress is also being made in financial cooperation, he added.
Hungary aims to become a regional financial hub, which could also help it serve as a bridgehead for Chinese financial institutions, the minister said. Hungary has “excellent relations” with the branches of Bank of China, the China Construction Bank Coropration and China Development Bank operating in Hungary, which it aims to strengthen with the AIIB as well, he said. As we wrote before, the world’s second-largest bank, Chinese giga bank arrives in Hungary, details HERE.
The sides were in agreement on the need to continue deepening financial and economic cooperation, and agreed to continue holding regular consultations.
Hungary joined the AIIB in 2017, the ministry noted.
As we wrote before, Orbán holds talks with AIIB president, details HERE.
South Korean House Speaker Kim Jin-pyo holds talks in Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Monday met Kim Jin-pyo, the chairman of the National Assembly of South Korea. House Speaker László Kövér also received Kim Jin-pyo.
Orbán praised the friendly relations between the two countries, noting that South Korea “showed trust” in Hungary’s economy right after the regime change in 1989. “They believed in Hungary becoming a success story,” Orbán said.
Hungary will continue to support South Korean economic players, a practice that has made the east Asian country the largest investor in Hungary in the past few years.
Kövér meets South Korean counterpart
House Speaker László Kövér received Kim Jin-pyo.
At a joint press conference after the talks, Kövér said interparliamentary cooperation could give momentum to ties between Hungary and South Korea. He said strategic bilateral cooperation since 2019 was “the best example” for the benefits of Hungary’s Eastern Opening policy.
The speakers discussed international challenges affecting the Hungarian economy and hundreds of South Korean companies in Hungary such as inflation and high energy prices, Kövér said, adding that seeking a resolution to those problems could open up new areas for cooperation.
Kim urged joint action by Hungary and South Korea in the international arena regarding the war in Ukraine and nuclear threats by North Korea. He called Hungary “the engine of central Europe” and one of the development centres of the European Union. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1989, Hungary and South Korea have strengthened their cooperation in a number of areas, not only in business but in culture and education as well, he said.
South Korea has become one of Hungary’s largest investors, while the turnover of bilateral trade has now reached 7 billion dollars, he added.
As we wrote on May, László Kövér traveled to Seoul for an official visit, details HERE.
Orbán holds talks with AIIB president
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held talks with Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), in his office on Monday.
Orbán and Jin were in agreement that Hungary’s policy of opening up to the East was now bearing fruit, with the highest amount of FDI coming from Chinese, South Korean and Japanese businesses. Asian commercial banks are also stepping up their presence and activity in Hungary.
Hungary intends for Asian capital to play a key role in the achievement of its national economic development goals, and sees its membership in the AIIB as a bridge that promotes its activities in Asia.
The meeting was also attended by Economic Development Minister Márton Nagy.
As we wrote yesterday, FDI inflows in Hungary have increased by 7.96% in the past decade – 5% more than any other country analysed, details HERE.
Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi hold talks in Hungary
The European Union should increase financial support for Jordan to bolster its stability and defence, especially since the country has an important role in curbing migration, the minister of foreign affairs and trade said on Monday, after meeting his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, in Budapest.
Péter Szijjártó told a joint press conference that the two countries, despite the geographic distance, were facing similar security risks, and that Jordan was also dealing with a war in a neighbouring country.
The war in Ukraine has led to rising prices in the Middle East too, and conflicts there often manifest as migration pressure in Europe, Szijjártó said, according to a ministry statement.
Peace in both regions is in both countries’ interest, he said.
“We know perfectly well that there are no solutions to these conflicts … on the battlefield. Those acting against peace or relativising it, and those hindering the success of those steps, are responsible for every death hereafter,” he said.
Another security risk in Hungary, migration pressure, is exacerbated by EU policy, and so “Middle Eastern countries curbing migration that are ready and able to handle the root causes” are very important, he said.
Hungary appreciates Jordan’s stance against extremism and terrorist organisations, he said. “We also appreciate that Jordan houses millions of refugees, because otherwise these people would all start for Europe.” Hungary urges the EU and international organisations to increase financial aid for Jordan, he added.
The EU should use the European Peace Facility, among others, to fund Jordan’s defence capabilities, he said.
Hungary has recently supported 13 development projects to improve the situation in refugee camps, he said.
It also offers 400 government grants for Jordanian students wishing to study in Hungary, he said.
Szijjártó and Safadi signed a plan on cultural cooperation in 2024-2027.
As we wrote before, Hungary gives delivery of medical supplies to Caritas Jordan, read the details.
BREAKING! Armed attack against MOL plant, six dead. Will fuel prices skyrocket? – UPDATED
Islamists attacked a Mol gas and oil plant in northwest Pakistan, near the Afghan border, killing four policemen and two security guards, local authorities have reported.
According to the Hungarian News Agency, MTI, some 50 extremists attacked the plant of Mol Pakistan Oil and Gas company, a member of the Mol group, in the Hangu district, near the Afghan border, police spokesman Ifran Hahn said. So far, no terrorist groups have taken responsibility for the attack, and the Mol subsidiary has been unavailable for comment.
Based on AP News, oil production was temporarily suspended following the attack. Otherwise, Hangu is a restive district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. MOL said the Islamist attackers did not reach the facility itself. They fought with security guards and troops outside. “Production from the wells has been temporarily shut down by remote access and the wells are now secured,” AP News quoted the company’s statement.
Sawab Khan, the local police’s chief, said they are on an extensive search to apprehend the perpetrators, who fled the area. Pakistani authorities blame the Pakistani Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. The group ended the ceasefire with the Islamabad government unilaterally last November. Afterwards, they launched multiple attacks. However, they can ask for shelter in nearby Afghanistan since they are allies of the local Taliban. Therefore, catching them will be challenging.
Reuters wrote the attackers targeted two wells (M-8 and M-10) with heavy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades. The casualties fell at M-10. They came from North Waziristan and damaged a solar power plant before fleeing. The Pakistani-Afghan border became perilous after the American forces withdrew from the country in 2021. Pakistan has the highest shale reserves in the world, the media outlet wrote.
UPDATE
MOL told MTI in a statement that none of the company’s employees had been present at the plant at the time of the attack. Production at the plant has been temporarily suspended via remote control and switched to back-up safety mode, the company said. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack later.
Featured image: Illustration
Hungary prefers civilised East-West cooperation, says foreign minister
Hungary promotes civilised East-West cooperation along its national interests based on historical experiences, not because it is anyone’s friend or spy, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Friday.
The ministry cited Szijjártó telling a panel discussion at the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum that Europe was facing huge economic challenges which justified in itself that Hungary considers cooperation with central Asia important.
He told the discussion focusing on ways to improve the regional business climate that the world had regrettably started moving towards the formation of blocs. “This is the worst possible news” for central Europe, he said, arguing that history had shown that the region always lost out on conflicts between East and West.
When Hungary argues in favour of connectivity and “civilised” cooperation between East and West, it is not because the country is anybody’s friend or spy but because “we are aware of our own national interests and we are aware of our own national experience,” he added.
The minister said Hungary was a good example of how a country could benefit from civilised East-West cooperation “based on mutual respect and mutual trust and aiming at mutual benefits”.
Hungary has been able to become an important meeting point for investors from the East and West because it has never applied any discrimination against investors based on their nationality, Szijjártó said. This is all the more true in the field of electromobility which is key for the future success of Europe, he added.
The war poses a threat to the normal operation of the world economy, which is why Hungary argues for restoring peace as soon as possible and appreciates the pro-peace position taken by central Asian countries against the war rhetoric, he said.
Europe’s security starts in central Asia because if there is stability in the region, then there is less migratory pressure on Europe, he added.
He called for a comprehensive free trade agreement between the European Union and the countries of central Asia in order to strengthen competitiveness.
This is what Hungary and the Maldives have in common
The negative effects of the war in Ukraine can be felt in both the Maldives and in Hungary, despite the many thousands of kilometres that separate them, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said, adding that “both countries belong to the global pro-peace majority”.
The ministry cited Szijjártó telling a joint press conference with Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid that their meeting had been “an event of diplomatic history”, marking the first visit by a Maldivian foreign minister to Hungary.
Despite the large distance between the two countries, they are tied by two issues that have a decisive influence on the future, he said.
“One is that we both belong to the peace camp,” he said. Meanwhile, inflation and the drastic increase in food and energy prices affected both countries, he added.
“We agree that this war must be condemned but we understand that this conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield. We both want peace because only peace can save lives, and we agree that this war can have no winners, only losers,” he said.
The other issue on which the countries fully agree is the importance of environmental protection, he added.
“We are both global leaders in environmental protection, for different reasons. Both countries approach the issue in “a rational and sensible way”, he said. “This is not an ideological issue for either of us, and we do not accept it when anyone creates a political monopoly out of environmental protection,” he said.
Szijjártó said the fight against climate change was “hopeless without electromobility and nuclear energy”.
An agreement on Hungarian water management, waste management and energy companies “becoming a part of the fight against climate change in the Maldives” was also reached, he said.
Meanwhile, he noted that eighty Maldives students have applied for university scholarships in Hungary, and 25 would be starting their studies this year.
Also, Hungary supports a visa-waiver agreement between the European Union and the Maldives, as well as the granting of full customs exemption for fishing exports, he said.
The sides at the meeting signed a visa-waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports.
New destination: Wizz Air goes to the world’s 8th most populous South Asian country
The Hungarian low-cost airline, Wizz Air, has become the fifth-largest European airline. Its CEO, József Váradi, mentioned in an interview with CNN’s Richard Quest that it would expand its fleet. In 2024, it will be able to operate 8-hour-long flights. A Bangladesh newspaper revealed which South Asian country Wizz Air might conquer next.
We wrote before that Hungary’s low-cost carrier, Wizz Air, performs better in the East than in the West. Recently, we have heard about new flights mostly to Eastern destinations, and the airline created its third biggest base in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Gossip has it that they would like to expand towards the East to even Uzbekistan and India. Now, a Bangladesh newspaper revealed the next South Asian country Wizz Air would like to conquer: Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is the world’s eighth most populous country, located “between the two arms” of India. Dhaka Tribune, a local newspaper printed in the capital, said Wizz Air might receive all permissions to operate flights to Dhaka in two weeks. G7.hu wrote that the Hungarian low-cost airline, expands swiftly in the Middle East. It operates flights from Budapest to Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, from their centre in Abu Dhabi, they do so to the Maldives, Oman or Uzbekistan.
Wizz Air CEO told CNN’s Richard Quest last week that their new planes will begin arriving in 2024. As a result, they will be able to operate 8-hour-long flights instead of the current maximum 6-hour-longs. If that happens, they would enter the Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi markets. Interestingly, 2 billion people live in the South Asian region, but the passenger traffic between India and Europe is only 2.3 million every year. That number is 1/5th of the overall traffic of Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport. And Budapest is not one of the largest European airports.
Mr Váradi said in the interview that they would not like to expand towards the Transatlantic region. G7.hu wrote that Wizz’s competitors do so, but the Hungarian airline would go to the Middle East and Central and South Asia instead. And there is potential in such flights because of the large number of guest workers.
Wizz Air’s Abu Dhabi base has become crucial in that regard, since many South Asians work in the Middle East. Therefore, they would like to increase the base’s crew twofold by 2024. Meanwhile, direct flights between Europe and South Asia could help guest workers aiming for Europe and the broadening of the region’s middle-class seeking travel experience.
Considering capacity, Wizz Air is Europe’s fifth largest airline, even preceding British Airways and Air France. And it is expanding the quickest among its competitors in the European top 10.
However, Wizz Air still struggles with delays. In the United Kingdom, Wizz was the worst airline, considering delays at UK airports. However, Mr Váradi said they learned from their mistakes.
New direct flight will connect Budapest with this Central Asian capital
Márton Nagy, Hungary’s minister for economic development, announced at the International Investment Forum in Tashkent that a direct flight will connect Budapest and the capital of Uzbekistan.
The Tashkent Times wrote about the agreement yesterday, and Budflyer, a Hungarian travel news Facebook page, summed up the article’s content. According to Mr Nagy, the first direct flight will take off between the two cities in the second half of this year.
He said the relationship between the two countries is of increasing importance, the two states move closer despite the 4,000 km separating them. Márton Nagy added that the new direct flight is part of the bilateral economic relations. Budflyer wrote that the decision was not out of the blue. We wrote in March that Uzbekistan opened an embassy in Budapest, so all member states of the Organisation of Turkic States have a diplomatic representation in Hungary. The Hungarian OTP Bank is the 5th biggest player in Uzbekistan’s banking sector, having more than 1.6 million customers.
The new flight is not out of the blue
Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s foreign minister, announced then that a direct air link would be established between the two capitals by the end of this year. That is what Márton Nagy confirmed now. The minister for economic development added that Wizz Air has good chance to operate the air link. The president of the Hungarian low-cost airline, Robert Carey, is currently in Uzbekistan holding talks with the chairman of the directorate of the Uzbek airports. Daryo, an Uzbek online portal, wrote that Mr Carey is negotiating a flight to Hungary.
Meanwhile, a Budapest-Hangzhou direct cargo flight will be launched soon. The operator will be Wizz Air, and an Airbus A330F will commute between the Chinese metropolis and the Hungarian capital. The official opening of the route was on 27 April. The plane of the Hungary Air Cargo will serve it four times a week. The aircraft will deliver Chinese products to Europe strengthening Budapest Airport’s role as a logistics hub concerning goods distribution between China and East Europe.
As we wrote, Sichuan Airlines operate another direct cargo flight between Hungary and Chinese Chengdu. According to Buflyer, new passenger and cargo flights are expected to start operation between Budapest and China thanks to the strengthening commercial and touristic ties.
Hungarian investments worth USD 160m inaugurated in Laos
Hungarian investments worth 160 million dollars, a water treatment plant and a meat processing plant were inaugurated, and a population register system established in Laos as part of a tied-aid programme, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Vientiane on Thursday.
The two countries’ cooperation is based on mutual respect and friendship, and it can be said without exaggeration that it is a real success story, the ministry quoted Szijjártó as saying at a joint press conference with his Laotian counterpart, Saleumxay Kommasith.
Szijjártó said the Hungarian investments will make clean drinking water more widely available, significantly increase meat processing capacity, and a uniform electronic identity card system will be created. Hungarian companies are building water treatment plants worth one hundred million dollars in Laos, and the newly inaugurated facility will purify 44,000 cubic metres of water a day, providing healthy drinking water for 250,000 people, he added. Hungarian companies have also built meat, fish and orange processing plants and three slaughterhouses worth 35 million dollars, expanding local food production capacity, he said.
He also noted that Hungary reopened its embassy in Vientiane after Laos did the same with its diplomatic representation in Budapest.
VIDEO: a foreigner is injured in a car crash in downtown Budapest
A car crashed into a tram stop on Népszínház Street in Budapest on Saturday evening.
The car was heading towards Blaha Lujza Square when it suddenly slid into the lane of oncoming traffic and then crashed into the tram stop. The driver waited for the police at the scene after the accident. According to RTL News, he denied any fault. He claimed that the tram track or the bad road surface had thrown the wheels of his car and he could no longer correct it, which is why he crashed into the tram stop.
The car also knocked down four smaller poles – one of which hit a pedestrian walking past.
The scene was filmed by a resident opposite.
One of the ejected poles hit a 23-year-old Indonesian man, who suffered minor injuries to his leg. He was taken to hospital after the incident.
- read also: What’s happening? Foreigners are buying up Hungarian property for large sums of money
- Horrific hit-and-run: video of a woman being hit on the pavement
Uzbekistan opens embassy in Budapest, new direct flights have also been announced
Now that Uzbekistan has opened an embassy in Budapest, all member states of the Organisation of Turkic States have a diplomatic representation in Hungary, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Monday.
Szijjártó told a joint press conference with Uzbek counterpart Baxtiyor Saidov that his visit, the first by an Uzbek foreign minister to Hungary, was “an important event in diplomatic history”.
Szijjártó praised bilateral ties “based on mutual respect”.
He noted that OTP Bank is now the fifth largest player in Uzbekistan’s banking sector, with around 1.6 million customers there. With OTP present in Uzbekistan, other Hungarian companies can venture there now that their legal and financial security is guaranteed, he added.
Further, an industrial zone is being established near Tashkent specifically for Hungarian investors operating under preferential rules, Szijjártó noted, adding that many Hungarian companies have shown an interest in taking part. This involves government support, and a financial fund is being set up accordingly, he added.
Also, a direct air link between the two capitals will be up and running by the end of the year, with two flights each week, the minister said.
In addition, the sides signed an MoU on cultural heritage cooperation.
Meanwhile, Szijjártó said members of the ethnic Hungarian community had fallen victim to the war in Ukraine as army conscripts.
He called Hungary “a nation whose members are constantly losing their lives, and we want peace, immediate ceasefire and peace talks.” He said Hungary was “under constant attack in the European and transatlantic world”. “But the world is larger than the transatlantic region, and those that want peace represent a significant majority,” he added. “When Hungary argues for peace, it is part of a global majority … [so] reports about our isolation are fake news,” Szijjártó said.
Referring to Uzbekistan, he said “one of the countries that wants peace is now opening an embassy in a country that also wants peace.”
Read also:
Government proud of brotherhood between Hungarians, Kazakhs, Kipchaks
The honorary Kazakh consulate that opened 25 years ago in Karcag, in north-east Hungary, is an important pillar of ties between Hungary and Central Asia, the finance minister said on Friday.
“The Hungarian and Kazakh people belong together; and if we belong together, we have work to do,” Mihály Varga said at the event. “We must continue that work” by taking up international diplomatic relations and by strengthening cultural, economic and business ties, Varga said.
Szilárd Németh, a vice chairman of Orbán’s governing Fidesz wrote in a post shared about the consulate that there is a brotherhood between Hungarians, Cumans, Kipchaks and Kazakhs.
Read alsoGovernment would like to boost Hungarian economy with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other Turkic states
Travel to Vietnam – Everything You Need to Know
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Are you ready to explore the fascinating culture of Vietnam? Known for its marvelous landscapes, bustling cities, welcoming people, and delicious cuisine, Vietnam is an unforgettable destination. From local market streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to sipping on a hot bowl of phở (Vietnamese noodle soup) at a cozy street café or feeling awestruck by the thousands of karst mountains dotting Halong Bay – there is something here that will capture your heart.
Whether you are looking for scenery-filled trips through the rice fields in the Mekong Delta or beach chilling along Nha Trang’s golden sands – we have all the information needed to make planning your trip go smoothly! Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Vietnam.
e-Visa to Vietnam
Firstly, keep in mind that you need to prepare all the necessary documents to enter Vietnam. It is advisable to obtain an online visa – an electronic permit that can be used for tourism, business, or transit and enables one to stay in the country for 30 days.
To apply, you need to visit the website, complete the form, cover the fee, and wait for the processing. Then, receive your e-Visa in PDF form via email. It is a very simple and convenient option, as no visit to the embassy or consulate is required. You only need a valid passport.
Learn about the culture and customs
Steeped in fascinating culture and customs, Vietnam is a place that brings incredible travel opportunities. For example, smiling or nodding at someone is seen as being polite, so make sure to use this gesture when interacting with locals while there.
Additionally, visitors shouldn’t wear shorts or skirts above their knees when entering temples and other religious sites. Also, it is wise to remember that many people will expect a gift if they are invited into your home.
Weather in Vietnam
When planning a trip, research on the local climate is essential to know what to expect during your stay. Vietnam is a tropical country with hot and humid weather all year round. Temperatures may vary between 18°C (64°F) and 35°C (95°F), with colder conditions occurring in the Northern highlands of Ha Giang province.
The best time to visit Vietnam is usually considered to be December through April; however, sunny days can be expected anytime except during the rainy season – so your trip could still prove enjoyable whatever time of year you decide to travel!
Pack essential items
Traveling to Vietnam can be a daunting task when you don’t know what to expect! It is important to remember to pack essential items like a passport, visa, flight tickets, insurance, credit/debit card, medication, and insect repellent.
Also, consider lightweight linen clothing, a camera, toiletries, comfortable trainers, sandals/flip-flops, and a handheld fan. Make a list and check if you pack everything to enjoy your stay fully.
Save some money for souvenirs and activities
If you plan to travel to Vietnam, consider spending some money on souvenirs and activities. Everything from handmade items purchased from the local markets to a hot air balloon ride over the majestic Ha Long Bay is available to make your time in Vietnam truly memorable.
Besides, seek out special discounts and deals. Many tourist activities like boat rides or cooking classes will offer special discounts if you book in advance or purchase a package option. Look online for the best deals before your trip.
Develop an itinerary that includes must-see sights like the Ha Long Bay
Vietnam is a paradise for adventure seekers. One of the must-see sights is Ha Long Bay. Imagine lush vegetation, towering limestone pillars rising from emerald waters, exotic caves, and hidden lagoons combined with unique regional cuisine, centuries-old historical sites, friendly people, and picturesque landscapes that will leave you breathless.
The best way to experience Ha Long Bay is to plan a well-crafted itinerary. Start by traveling through its narrow waterways while marveling at its stunning islands. Then swing by the bay’s historic villages to visit traditional workshops, enjoy local rituals and festivals, or take part in a range of outdoor activities such as rock climbing or kayaking.
Finally, take time to unwind and relax at resorts or stunning beaches. No matter your preferences, there are endless possibilities when creating your personalized Vietnam travel journey, including exploring Ha Long Bay’s beauty during an unforgettable stay!
Continue reading “Travel to Vietnam – Everything You Need to Know”
Best National Parks in Cambodia
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Do you want to explore the natural beauty of Cambodia and experience some of its most pristine wildlife? While many people associate Cambodia with a rich cultural heritage, it’s also home to many fantastic national parks that truly offer visitors the opportunity to appreciate the country’s serene environment. From dense jungles full of exotic animals to beautiful beaches along crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of superb locations across the country that are waiting for you to discover.
Cambodia e-Visa
Before you decide to go to Cambodia, remember about a proper entry permit. An online visa to Cambodia is the best option. It is a travel document valid for 90 days that lets you stay in the country for up to 30 days and can be used for tourism-related purposes.
It is very straightforward to apply. Just prepare an electronic device with an internet connection and visit our website. Then, complete the application form, cover the fee, and wait for confirmation. Everything can be done online, so you don’t need to visit the embassy or consulate.
Phnom Kulen National Park
Phnom Kulen National Park in Cambodia is renowned for its rippling streams, dense tropical vegetation, and stunning waterfalls. One of the park’s main attractions is the 48-meter-tall Preah Ang Thom temple – dedicated to King Jayavarman II – with an impressive reclining Buddha statue.
With its incredible scenery, cultural significance, and fun activities, Kulen National Park has become a hot spot for travelers looking to explore the natural wonders of Southeast Asia.
Angkor Archaeological Park
The Angkor Archaeological Park houses the world-famous Angkor Wat, which has become a mecca for adventurers looking to experience some of the region’s culture and history. The park is famous for hundreds of monuments from various eras, including Khmer temple architecture as well as prehistoric sites. The towering structures, surroundings villages, and jungles full of biodiversity are worth visiting this magical place.
Ream National Park
Ream National Park is a stunning natural reserve located in the Kingdom of Cambodia. This lush park is known for its sandy beaches, serene mangrove forests, and wealth of wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and sea turtles. Visitors come to this place for kayaking, bird watching, sailing, fishing, and more. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for camping in the park with designated camping areas, perfect for those looking to explore this remarkable national park on an overnight trip.
Preah Monivong Bokor National Park
Preah Monivong National Park, nicknamed “Bokor” by locals, is one of the best national parks in Cambodia. Located in Kampot Province and situated atop an extinct volcano plateau, the 700 km² reserve offers stunning vistas of lush tropical forests and valleys. The wild jungles are home to some of the rarest wildlife species in the country, including Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, and Siamese crocodiles, as well as a plethora of avifauna.
Tourists can observe unique native flora such as orchids, pandanus palms, and even carnivorous pitcher plants while exploring the park’s rugged terrain on foot or by jeep. Visitors are also welcome to take part in a range of exciting adventure activities ranging from trekking to rock climbing and abseiling.
Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary
Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary in northeast Cambodia can be treated as one of the country’s most important national parks. It consists of 1,041 km² of dense lowland evergreen forest and serves as a home to numerous rare species, such as the red-shanked douc, Asian elephant, sambar deer, banteng, and more. The park is an ideal destination for nature explorers and wildlife enthusiasts alike who wish to observe these magnificent species in their natural habitat.
Aside from its abundant biodiversity, Phnom Samkos also offers visitors access to a variety of stunning landscapes – from lush wetlands and swamplands to rice fields and undulating hills – that make it easy to experience Cambodia’s unique beauty.
Kirirom National Park
Kirirom National Park is one of Cambodia’s most sought-after places, boasting a variety of wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Located in the southwestern part of the country, it consists of forests and mountains as well as lush green valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes. The park is particularly well known for its wide diversity of flora and fauna – some species being endemic to the region. With two sizable campsites and plenty of activities provided, such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching, visitors can easily spend days exploring all that nature has to offer.
Kirirom also makes a great destination if you wish to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture – many nearby villages offer traditional foods like fried fish or a variety of noodle soups. Whether it’s crystal-clear waterfalls, lush rainforests, or sightings of rare species of animals that you seek, Kirirom National Park promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture into its undisturbed depths!
Will Wizz Air fly to this Asian country from Budapest?
The Hungarian low-cost airline, Wizz Air, has been expanding not only in Central and Eastern Europe but also in the Middle East and Central Asia. Experts say that the budget airline conquered the market of carrying Eastern European guest workers to the West. Furthermore, they aim to connect Europe with Asia as well. It seems they will launch a new flight to an exotic Asian country soon.
Budflyer, a Hungarian travel news Facebook page, wrote yesterday that Wizz Air would like to expand targeting not only India but also New Delhi’s greatest regional adversary, Pakistan. At least, that is what Robert Carey, the president of the Hungarian low-cost airline, talked about at the CAPA Airline Leader conference in Budapest.
Aviation Geeks mentioned in a May 2021 article that József Váradi, the CEO of Wizz Air, headed a delegation paying a visit to Pakistan’s transport minister in Islamabad. Then, they talked about a flight between the Pakistani capital and Budapest. It may happen we will be able to travel from Budapest to India and Pakistan soon.
- Read also: New airline comes to Budapest
Anyway, Air France has almost 200 destinations in its summer schedule, turizmus.com wrote. They will operate three flights to Budapest every day in the summer season. Furthermore, KLM will fly five times a day to Hungary. In peak time, Air France will travel to 106 destinations 650 times each day. Among the destinations, there will be countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Kenya and cities like Ottawa (Canada), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Tokyo (Japan).
We wrote about the summer schedule of Budapest Airport in THIS article. Passengers travelling from Budapest may reach more than 120 destinations, and 40 airlines will serve them. Four will be new in Budapest, with Kuwait Airways and Air Connect.
Read alsoMany Budapest flights cancelled due to widespread strike
MEP Gyöngyösi: Iran and Saud Arabia restore diplomatic relations with China lurking in the background
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MEP Márton Gyöngyösi’s (Non-attached) thoughts via press release:
Iranian-Saudi relations could hardly ever be called warm: the two Middle Eastern countries have always been traditional rivals, largely due to the fact that Saudi Arabia is the centre of Sunni Islam, while Iran is the leading Shiite Muslim state. Recent decades have seen the two countries on opposing sides in terms of foreign affairs: while post-revolution Islamic Iran became an opponent of the United States and the western world, Saudi Arabia has long been an integral member of the American alliance (even though human rights are quite far from what Europe or the US are used to).
The relations of the two countries turned even sourer in the 2010s, as a result of the oppression and attacks affecting Saudi Arabia’s Shiite minority as well as the confrontations of Riyadh and Tehran in the theatres of the Yemen war.
In light of all that, it was a huge achievement for Chinese diplomacy to have the two sides sit at the same table and, even more importantly, open embassies in each other’s capitals.
The agreement will clearly bolster stability in the Middle East. However, this stability now has China in the background, which is an important aspect to consider. Although the western world was able to demonstrate an exemplary unity against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, a united (and functional) European foreign policy remains a distant utopia when it comes to other geopolitical regions. Fully aware of that, China keeps increasing its presence in the third world.
The question is: will Europe understand the risk of letting other powers, in this case China, gradually take over dominance in other areas of the world?
Disclaimer: the sole liability for the opinions stated rests with the author(s). These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Parliament.
New flights from Budapest this spring and summer – UPDATED
We wrote earlier about several new destinations reachable from Budapest. Good news is that there is some progress concerning them, Budflyer, a Hungarian air travel news Facebook page, wrote. Furthermore, Air Serbia would like to make Budapest one of its most important European travel hubs providing North American, Middle-Eastern and African destinations.
Mongolia may become reachable from Budapest this year
According to Budflyer, a direct flight can be established between Hungary and Mongolia this year. Sandag Byambatsog, a member of the State Great Hural (the Mongolian parliament) and minister for transport development, wrote about the latest government session, during which the cabinet discussed options for air travel development. According to his statement, the Mongolian leadership would like to liberalise air transport and traffic. They would like to reestablish domestic trips and aim to make the Chinggis Khaan International Airport, also referred to as New Ulaanbaatar International Airport, an air travel hub.
Therefore, the cabinet would sign an air travel agreement with the Hungarian government. The statement of Mr Byambatsog did not talk about the airline that would commute between Ulaanbaatar and Budapest. It can be the Mongolian state airline, MIAT, or the Hungarian low-cost airline, Wizz Air.
In the latter case, the start will need to wait until the arrival of the Hungarian budget airline’s brand-new A321XLR planes. That is because Wizz Air does not have suitable aircraft to serve the route without flight interruptions. Furthermore, the direct travel time between the two capitals is longer due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to the Facebook page of Egyptair, there will be “4 weekly flights from Budapest to Cairo starting from 26 March on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”
Kyrgyzstan, Chicago, Shanghai, Africa
Meanwhile, Budflyer wrote that the system of Wizz Air already has a route to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. However, the destination is reachable only from Abu Dhabi instead of Budapest. Thus, you can travel there only after a transfer in the second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates. The first flight will depart on 1 June.
Turizmus Online writes that the first direct flight of Air Serbia to Belgrade will take off from the Budapest international airport on 13 March (Monday). The frequency will gradually increase during spring. In May, there will be 17 flights from Budapest. As a result, you may reach 87 destinations from the Hungarian capital with a transfer in Serbia’s capital.
Bojan Arandjelović, the head of network planning and scheduling of Air Serbia, said they launched their first flight to New York before the pandemic. Now it commutes daily. By end-2023, they will have flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. He said that multiple exotic destinations would open up for passengers coming from Budapest, and the transfer time would be a maximum of 45 minutes, thanks to the size of their Belgrade HUB. Mr Arandjelović added they would serve Budapest with ATR 72-600 planes.
In the summer, they plan to launch new routes to, for example, Chicago, Tel-Aviv, Cairo, and several Italian, German, French and Mediterranean cities.
