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Hungarian delegation visits ‘geothermal innovation world leader’

Geothermal power plant in Iceland

Attila Steiner, the energy ministry’s state secretary for energy and climate policy, and Bence Gonda, the deputy head of the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities, discussed the application of geothermal energy with Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, Iceland’s minister for environmental protection, energy and climate affairs, in Reykjavik on Tuesday, the ministry and the authority said.

In a statement, they called Iceland, a leader in geothermal innovation, a “remarkable example”, noting that it covers household and industry electricity and heating needs entirely with renewable resources and green energy.

They said the Geothermal Conference organised in Reykjavik for the fifth time had served as an excellent opportunity for participants to learn more about how Iceland is a global leader in the utilisation of geothermal energy. The statement said the practice employed by Iceland was a “model” in demonstrating that geothermal heat was not only a stable source of energy, but, as eco-friendly green energy, also had a positive effect on the quality of life.

The Hungarian delegation and Thordarson were in agreement on the primary importance of geothermal energy today, noting it was valuable, safe, sustainable and renewable alternative source in the energy mix. They touched on Hungary’s National Geothermal Strategy currently being finalised, which could help Hungary be the first member state to respond to the European Parliament’s opinion issued in January urging the acceleration of investments in the sector.

Hungary has been using geothermal energy for decades

The statement said Steiner had addressed the Arctic Green Partnership Forum held simultaneously with the Iceland Geothermal Conference. The state secretary said Hungary will place special emphasis on the topic of geothermal energy during its upcoming EU presidency in the second half of the year, noting that Hungary had long been among the top five countries in Europe when it came to the use of geothermal energy.

Over the course of the programme, the Hungarian delegation got to learn more about Iceland’s best practices and innovative solutions, and was shown the country’s most modern power plant along with the Krafla power plant where the world’s hottest geothermal well was drilled.

At the ministers’ meeting, Bence Gonda, the deputy head of the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities, emphasised that that though Hungary had been using geothermal energy for decades, the goal in the new regulatory environment and based on the National Geothermal Strategy was to exploit the country’s favourable geothermal resources as efficiently as possible.

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VIDEO, PHOTOS: boxing legend Holyfield shadowboxes in Hungarian Parliament, meets with Orbán

Holyfield in Budapest, Hungary

Boxing legend Evander Holyfield bid farewell to Budapest in his own unique way. He performed shadowboxing in the hall of one of Hungary’s most beautiful buildings and made a video to commemorate the occasion.

Holyfield attended the Vasas Jégcentrum for Friday night’s professional gala, which featured a farewell bout for the famous Hungarian boxer Balázs Bacskai. The event was a success, with Bacskai triumphing over Denmark’s Kim Poulsen in the main event of the evening and securing the WBO European middleweight title belt from star guest Evander Holyfield.

Holyfield, the American boxing legend, also met Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who hosted him and his wife at the Karmelita.

 

Holyfield, who competed from 1984 to 2011, first became the undisputed champion at cruiserweight in the late 1980s and at heavyweight in the early 1990s. He remains the only boxer in history to win undisputed titles in two weight classes during the three-belt era. Nicknamed “The Real Deal”, Holyfield is the only four-time heavyweight world champion, holding the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles from 1990 to 1992, the WBA and IBF titles from 1993 to 1994, a third WBA title from 1996 to 1999, the IBF title for a third time from 1997 to 1999 and the WBA title for a fourth time from 2000 to 2001.

One of his most memorable fights was the legendary Las Vegas bout where Mike Tyson infamously bit his ear.

Holyfield participated in several events while in Budapest:

 

Holyfield has now also bid goodbye to the Hungarian capital on his Instagram. The description of his post suggests that Holyfield plans to return to Hungary. He also posted a video showcasing his shadowboxing moves on his social media platform.

 

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Hungarian minister: no to Srebrenica, no to Kosovo!

New Serbian foreign minister's first visit was in Budapest

Hungary considers its alliance with Serbia “an invaluable asset”, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó told a joint press conference with his Serbian counterpart in Budapest on Friday.

Szijjártó said friendship and mutual respect were “invaluable” in light of the heightened tensions in the region, noting the war in Ukraine and the assassination attempt against Slovakia’s prime minister.

He welcomed that his Serbian counterpart, Marko Djuric, had made Budapest his first destination for an official visit following his appointment.

Szijjártó praised the “great developments” seen between Hungary and Serbia in recent years, highlighting that of all of Hungary’s neighbours, Serbia guaranteed the most rights to its ethnic Hungarian minority, even including Vojvodina Hungarians in the country’s governance.

“The security of Hungary’s energy supply is in Serbia’s hands,” he said, noting that Hungary’s gas supply went through Serbia, and “we can always sleep easy regarding the transit.”

He noted that Hungary, Serbia and Slovenia had started operating a joint regional electricity exchange, which had given a further boost to energy security, and had also been “an excellent measure” against rising prices.

Europe’s most modern border crossing point

Hungary and Serbia, he said, would build an oil pipeline linking their countries, as well as “Europe’s most modern border crossing point” at Röszke. We detailed that project HERE. He said they were aiming to complete the construction of the railway line linking Budapest and Belgrade by the end of next year, and that Hungary would continue to store gas on Serbia’s behalf.

Meanwhile, Szijjártó said that during its presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of the year, Hungary would bring Serbia closer to EU membership and had a clear goal of opening the third EU accession chapter with the country.

He said Hungary considered it “unacceptable, unfair and humiliating” that the EU had been making Serbia wait for 15 years now when in its “declining shape” the bloc “needs the momentum Serbia would guarantee more than Serbians need EU membership”. He called on EU member states to “end their hypocrisy and come clean on why they’ve put obstacles in the way of the progress of Serbia’s accession”.

No to Srebrenica, no to Kosovo

Szijjártó also touched on next Thursday’s scheduled UN General Assembly vote on a resolution “seeking to demonise the entire Serb nation” in connection with the Srebrenica massacre. Hungary will vote against the resolution, he said, adding that it would also vote against Kosovo joining the Council of Europe. Szijjártó said it was necessary to “wait until the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina proves successful, and only then will it be worthwhile for Kosovo to apply to join international organisations”.

First visit to Hungary

Djuric called it an “honour” that he had been able to start seeing to his official duties with a visit to Hungary, “reaffirming the excellent relationship Serbia and Hungary have built in recent years, which is a great joy for both nations”.

He said Hungary’s accomplishments in protecting its national interests and economic growth were “inspiring” to Serbia

He welcomed that Hungary was next in line to take over the EU’s rotating presidency, saying it would give Serbia and the entire region “a reliable partner” and that he expected Hungary to be a leader that would assume responsibility for European interests.

Djuric thanked Hungary for its support in connection with the UN resolution, pointing out that “the opening up of old wounds by certain political circles” had created tensions in the region among Serbs, Croats and Bosnians. Hungary, he said, supported stability on this issue as well, adding that this was “a responsible approach”.

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Xi Jinping revealed his thoughts on Hungarians in diplomatic op-ed

PM Orbán Xi Jinping in Beijing chinese president chinese ambassador szijjártó china hungarian

Chinese President Xi Jinping has penned an opinion piece regarding Sino-Hungarian relations in a Hungarian daily magazine. “The friendship between China and Hungary resembles a fine Tokaj wine: aromatic, sweet, opulent and enduring,” he wrote on the brink of his forthcoming visit to Hungary.

As we reported, Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Budapest from 8th to 10th May upon the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President Tamás Sulyok.

The visit aims to boost the economic and trade cooperation between the two nations through the Belt and Road Initiative. During the visit, 16 agreements will be signed, with another two currently under negotiations.

The president’s visit also has a symbolic significance: Hungary will be the first European country President Xi visits after the coronavirus pandemic.

Just before his arrival, Xi Jinping expressed his thoughts on Hungary and the Hungarian people in the pro-government right-wing conservative daily, Magyar Nemzet.

“I anticipate revisiting your nation to engage with my Hungarian friends in discussions concerning our friendship and collaboration, and to chart the course for the advancement of China-Hungary relations,” initiated the Chinese President.

Xi Jinping underlined his numerous encounters with Hungarian officials over the past fifteen years. He recalled that China and Hungary established diplomatic relations 75 years ago, noting that since then, “relations between the two nations have flourished in a balanced and wholesome manner, yielding significant accomplishments. Upholding the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, we regard each other as esteemed partners.”

Over time, Hungary and China “have fostered a high degree of mutual political trust, and bilateral relations have reached their zenith […].” Presently, economic ties are progressively deepening through the Belt and Road Initiative. The President highlighted investment, infrastructure development, finance, renewable energy and telecommunications as principal sectors where the two nations collaborate closely. He remarked:
“At present, Hungary stands as an important trading partner and the primary destination for Chinese investment in the Central and Eastern European region. The collaboration between the two nations is fruitful and full of vitality.”

Xi Jinping’s opinion piece extended beyond political relations

“Hungary is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and its illustrious and venerable people. It boasts a rich historical and cultural legacy,” he wrote. Regarding the Hungarian people, he remarked:

“The Hungarian people are hardworking, intelligent, open-minded and accepting. They dare to innovate and possess a wealth of inventive prowess.”

He also emphasised the significance of cultural cooperation between the two nations, noting that initiatives such as the establishment of cultural centres, Hungarian language courses at Chinese universities and the efforts of the Confucius Institute in Hungary all contribute to “facilitating human exchanges between the two nations.”

Xi Jinping outlined his vision for Chinese-Hungarian relations

President Xi articulated five pivotal steps crucial for achieving a higher level of strategic cooperation between China and Hungary:

  1. Sustaining amicable relations and fortifying the political foundation for bilateral ties. President Xi highlighted that “a high level of mutual political trust is an important pillar of Chinese-Hungarian relations. China is ready to […] work with the Hungarian [government to] consolidate the positive momentum of high-level exchanges, support the maintenance of regular inter-governmental, legislative and inter-party dialogues and policy communication.”
  2. Coordinating development strategy and practical cooperation. Xi expressed that “We view Hungary as a partner in its journey towards China-style modernisation and development.” Consequently, China is ” ready to facilitate coordination between the Belt and Road Initiative and Hungary’s Eastern Opening strategy, accelerating major cooperative endeavours such as the Budapest-Belgrade railway.”
  3. Enhancing cultural exchanges and communication. To this end, “China is committed to expanding cooperation and the exchange of experiences with Hungary across various domains including education, culture, tourism, sports, youth affairs, media and local communities.”
  4. Upholding the “correct trajectory of China-EU relations,” as “both sides have a shared responsibility to work together to create greater stability in the world and give greater impetus to global development.”
  5. Addressing global challenges in the spirit of “true multilateralism,” as “China and Hungary share similar perspectives on international and regional issues, advocating for unity and cooperation to champion universal values such as peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom.
“I trust,” concluded the Chinese President, “that through my visit, alongside Hungarian leaders, we can perpetuate the tradition of friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries to new heights.”

For additional insights on Xi Jinping’s visit, have a look at the following articles below:

Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in Budapest soon, these will be the main topics of his visit

These will be the highlights of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Budapest

Boosting Hungarian-Chinese economic cooperation further will be one of the main topics on the agenda of the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hungary, Eszter Vitályos, the government spokesperson, said on Tuesday.

She told journalists that Xi Jinping will pay an official visit of historical significance in diplomacy to Hungary on May 8-10, at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President Tamás Sulyok. She said Xi is scheduled to arrive in Budapest on Wednesday and meet Sulyok on Thursday.

The visit is of historic significance also because it will be part of the Chinese president’s first visit to Europe after the coronavirus pandemic, Vitályos said, noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s schedule includes visiting only two European Union member states: Hungary and France, and a third country, Serbia, in the continent.

The Chinese President Xi Jinping’s schedule in Budapest includes a lunch with Orbán which the two leaders’ wives will attend, Vitályos said, adding that sports was expected to come up as a common topic of discussion since Xi is regarded as a big soccer fan.

Concerning the schedule, Vitályos said it included the ministers of the two states signing 16 agreements, adding that consultations on another two were ongoing. She highlighted a planned agreement on potential infrastructure upgrades linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

China was Hungary’s ninth most important trading partner in 2023 and is still the leading trading partner of the country outside Europe, Vitályos said, adding that Hungary continued to welcome investments from China and offers investors uniquely favourable investment environment.

She called financial cooperation an area with great potential in bilateral relations, adding that Hungary’s goal was to become a financial centre in the region and to serve “as a bridgehead” for an increasing number of Chinese banks in Europe.

Vitalyos said the other topics high on the agenda of talks will be the war in Ukraine and the peace plan prepared by China. She added that Hungary welcomed the peace plan. “China is unquestionably one of the strongest states in the pro-peace camp that keeps emphasising the importance of peace,” she said, asserting that there was full consensus between Hungary and China on the matter.

Vitályos noted that the two countries would celebrate the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties in October and are preparing to celebrate the anniversary with many cultural programs.

She highlighted the importance of bilateral relations of direct flights to be operated from seven Chinese cities to Budapest from the summer.

Hungary highly appreciates China’s unilateral visa-waiver scheme introduced on March 14 and allowing Hungarian citizens to stay in China for 15 days without needing a visa, Vitályos said.

She said Hungarians were increasingly interested in learning about China, its culture, and its language. There are currently 214 students learning Chinese at the Budapest ELTE University and 556 students learning Chinese in primary schools and 294 in secondary schools, Vitályos noted, adding that the Hungarian-Chinese bilingual primary and secondary school in Budapest was unique in the region.

You can read the same article in Simplified Chinese (AI): 中国国家主席习近平即将抵达布达佩斯,这些将是访问的主要议题

  • read also – Surprising: Private super railway may connect Budapest Airport with city center – UPDATED

Representatives of the Bavarian Christian Social Union in Budapest

Bavarian CSU in Budapest Hungary Ungarn

Relations between Hungary and Bavaria are based on mutual respect, appreciation and friendship, and so both countries are ready to further develop the cooperation crucial for Hungary, the minister of foreign affairs and trade said on Monday.

Speaking after a meeting with representatives of Bavaria’s Christian Social Union (CSU), Péter Szijjártó told a joint press conference that such cooperation was especially valuable in times of crisis.

Szijjártó welcomed both sides’ openness to further developing Bavarian-Hungarian ties, saying that trade and investments between the two countries “fundamentally determine” the performance of the Hungarian economy.

“Hungary’s economic policy has successfully answered the crises of past years, and its economy has returned to a path of growth. As a result, we hit one record in investment, exports, and employment after the other, and we recovered our competitiveness.”

The Bavarian companies investing in Hungary played a vital role in that, he added.

Bavaria is Hungary’s primary trading partner in Germany, and the third most important source of investment among German states, with one quarter of the trade volume between Hungary and Germany linked to it, he said. Some 27 percent of German companies investing in Hungary are Bavarian, he added.

Hungary’s government has signed strategic cooperation agreements with several Bavarian companies, including Siemens, Audi and Knorr-Bremse, he said.

During its upcoming EU presidency, Hungary will focus on improving the bloc’s competitiveness, streamlining regulations and cutting back red tape, he said.

“We are happy to see that the talks with our Bavarian partners are founded on common sense, honesty and clarity,” he said.

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Senior Microsoft executives visits Hungary – UPDATE

microsoft

Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on Monday after meeting senior Microsoft executives that Hungary’s economy is ready for a paradigm shift towards broadening research and development and boosting its technological level.

In a post on Facebook, Szijjártó thanked the executives for Microsoft’s activities in Hungary and for providing high-level job opportunities for more than one hundred people.

He referred to the “vast strides” Hungary’s economy had made in the past 14 years, with new records being broken in investment, exports, and employment.

Szijjártó said the next level of development would entail speeding up digitalisation, increasing the workforce in technology-related areas, and improving training, adding that in these endeavours Hungary counted on Microsoft as a strategic partner.

The minister said that at the meeting, the officials assessed the European Union’s competitiveness challenges and agreed that various regulatory changes were needed in Brussels to ensure the bloc’s competitiveness.

read also:

  • NATO to expand innovation network in Hungary – details HERE
  • Submarine data cable from Hungary to Egypt, details HERE

UPDATE

National economy minister meets Microsoft executives

Márton Nagy, the national economy minister, met with Microsoft executives in Budapest on Tuesday, including Robert Ivanschitz, the company’s Associate General Counsel for Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMA).

According to a statement by Nagy’s ministry, the main topics of the meeting were Hungary’s plans when it takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of the year, regulatory issues surrounding artificial intelligence, and the possibilities of using AI in the public sector.

The sides were in agreement that the use of advanced technologies like 5G, Big Data and AI have become the most important “breakout points” for the world’s economies.

Nagy said regarding the regulation of AI that for the government AI is primarily a matter of competitiveness. Regulations that support European businesses and developments and reduce the exposure of SMEs are needed, he added. The minister said the acceptable approach was one that protects individuals and institutions but doesn’t limit technological development or needlessly increase red tape and provides member states enough room for manoeuvre.

That was why, he said, European autonomy and sovereignty needed to be strengthened in the field of AI as well, and called for supporting national language models.

The digital economy accounts for 25 percent of Hungary’s GDP, Nagy said, noting that the government’s goal was for Hungary to be among the EU’s ten most digitally advanced countries by 2030.

By making efficient use of the opportunities offered by new technologies and thereby gaining a competitive advantage on the market, Hungarian economic players contribute in a meaningful way to the government’s endeavour to restart the economy this year and further increase its pace of growth in 2025, the minister said.

Details of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Budapest revealed – UPDATE

Chinese President Xi Orbán Chinese loan.

The Chinese president Xi Jinping’s visit to Hungary later this week is of historic importance and will significantly contribute to strengthening Hungary, developing bilateral economic and trade relations, and, hopefully, to the success of peace efforts, Peter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said in Budapest on Monday.

Answering a question at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart, Szijjártó said that, as he heads a large delegation, President Xi Jinping will visit only two EU member states: Hungary and France. Members of Xi’s delegation include Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Finance Minister Lan Foan, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, as well as Zheng Shanjie, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and Yu Jianhua, Director of the General Administration of Customs.

One of the main topics of the Chinese president’s talks will be further developing bilateral economic cooperation, Szijjártó said, noting that China had brought the most FDI to Hungary in 2020 and 2023. Thanks in part to those investments, he said, Hungary now ranked among the global frontrunners of the “automotive industry’s technological revolution.”

He said talks were ongoing with leading Chinese companies on further investments, while calling it “fake news” that the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s agenda included visiting the city of Pecs.

Szijjártó said that

during the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit, 16 agreements will be signed while another two were under consultations.

He highlighted a planned agreement on potential infrastructure upgrades linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The minister underlined the importance of a bilateral partnership covering the entire nuclear energy spectrum. He said it was hoped that further progress would also be achieved in bilateral trade relations by expanding the export possibilities of high-quality Hungarian agricultural products to China.

Boosting ties in tourism will also be on the agenda, which Szijjártó said could be greatly helped by the fact that Hungary is an absolute record holder in the region with 19 direct flights to be operated weekly to China from July.

He said,

“We would also like the visa waiver granted to Hungarian citizens to remain in place for a longer period of time.”

The war in Ukraine and the peace plan prepared by China will also feature high on the agenda of talks, Szijjártó said, adding that Hungary welcomed the peace plan “first of all because it exists and also because it is about peace”.

“China is unquestionably one of the strongest states in the pro-peace camp that keeps emphasising the importance of peace,”

Szijjártó said. “There is full consensus between us on this matter, which is why the possibility of creating peace will be an important topic on the agenda of talks.”

As we wrote earlier, the Chinese would build their own superhighway between Budapest Airport and the city center, details HERE.

UPDATE

LATEST – Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in Budapest soon, these will be the main topics of his visit

Confirmed: here is when the Chinese President will come to Hungary

PM Orbán Xi Jinping in Beijing chinese president chinese ambassador szijjártó china hungarian
Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay an official visit to Hungary on May 8-10, meeting an invitation by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President Tamas Sulyok, the PM’s press chief said in a statement.
The leaders will discuss bilateral political and economic issues as well as international affairs, the statement said, adding that the purpose of the visit was to further boost inter-state, economic and trade relations as well as to build cooperation in new areas.
We wrote HERE that President Xi would not only visit Budapest, but he will also travel to Pécs with PM Orbán to announce the building of a colossal Chinese car manufacturing plant.
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Deputy Speaker of Hungarian Parliament is in Mongolia

Deputy Speaker of Hungarian Parliament is in Mongolia

Sándor Lezsák, the deputy speaker of parliament, attended the 2nd annual Trans-Altai Sustainability Dialogue on Thursday and Friday, Parliament’s press chief said on Saturday.

This year’s discussions focused on point 16 of the UN 2030 Agenda: peace, justice and strong institutions, and brought together representatives of science, NGOs and government to share best practices.

Lezsák said in his speech at the event that the European Parliament and US elections offered chances to bring about change, and he expressed hope that Donald Trump would again become president.

He noted that Hungary will soon take up the presidency of the European Union, and he referred to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s “historic responsibility”.

Arpad Potapi, state secretary for Hungarian communities abroad who is also the vice-chairman of parliament’s Hungarian-Mongolian friendship group, addressed the event co-organised by the Mongolian parliament, the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future, and the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center of Stanford University.

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Hungarian President Sulyok shared what Hungary is proud of

President Sulyok

President Tamás Sulyok met Fra John Dunlap, Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, in Rome on Friday.

At the end of their meeting at the Magistral Palace, Sulyok invited the Grand Master for a visit to Budapest, which Dunlap accepted, the presidential Sandor Palace told MTI.

“Hungary is proud of its thousand-year history, its state based on Christian foundations and all of its heritage,” the statement said. It emphasised Hungary’s rich relations with the Order, noting that its presence in the country went back centuries.

The Sándor Palace noted that the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta took in tens of thousands of East German refugees at a makeshift camp near a church in Budapest’s 12th district, and they had preserved that spirit ever since. The charity also helped the refugees of the Yugoslav Wars, the victims of the toxic red sludge spill in Hungary in 2010, it helped out during the 2015 migration crisis, and is also helping those fleeing the war in Ukraine today, the statement said.

Sulyok on Thursday had an audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City. He was also at the pope’s private audience with the participants of the Hungarian National Pilgrimage before attending the holy mass to close the pilgrimage.

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Hungarian methods used in the Dominican Republic against illegal migration?

Dominican Republic Péter Szijjártó

Hungary and the Dominican Republic have formed “an alliance to protect their citizens against the hazards of illegal migration” in the face of “hypocritical international pressure”, the foreign minister said in Santo Domingo on Thursday.

“While the international liberal mainstream says that migration is good and only has beneficial effects … we who directly face the challenges … know that migration poses a danger rather than opportunities, and could seriously impact national security,” the foreign ministry quoted Péter Szijjártó as saying.

Migration poses security risks such as “an increase in the threat of terrorism, spreading organised crime, a proliferation of drug trafficking or, as seen in Western Europe, the emergence of parallel societies,” Szijjártó said, calling for international cooperation on the part of “countries that directly face the dramatic effects of illegal migration”.

“Migration is not a human right … a human right for everybody is that they should be ensured a peaceful and secure life in their own country,” he said.

Dominican Republic building fence

“Nobody can strip Hungary or the Dominican Republic of their sovereign right to determine whom they wish to grant permission to cross their borders,” he said.

Neither Hungary nor the Dominican Republic supported the global migration pact in the United Nations, Szijjártó noted, adding that the Hungarian government built a fence to protect its southern borders, while the Dominican Republic “is building a wall along its border”. “Border violations are considered as attacks on our sovereignty,” Szijjártó said.

“We jointly say that the national interest comes first and everybody must respect our sovereignty; that migration should not be managed but curbed, and anyone trying to force the opposite on us stands against our national interests,” the minister said.

Szijjártó noted that he was the first Hungarian foreign minister to visit the Dominican Republic, and called his visit of “diplomatic historical importance”. “This year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, so the time has come to elevate our relations to a higher level,” he said.

During the talks, Szijjártó and his Dominican partners signed six agreements.

Dominican Republic
Photo: FB/Szijjártó

Hungary helps the Dominican Republic

Trade turnover with the Dominican Republic multiplied by 9.5 in the past ten years, which “is an excellent basis to further develop economic cooperation,” he said, adding that one of the new agreements is designed to that end.

The other agreements are aimed at introducing Hungarian water management technologies to the Dominican Republic, setting up a political consultation mechanism, lifting the visa requirement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, joint diplomatic training, as well as offering five university scholarships for Dominican students studying in Hungary, Szijjártó said.

Dominican Republic
Photo: FB/Szijjártó

At a joint press conference with counterpart Roberto Alvarez, the Hungarian foreign minister said the world had confronted three serious crises in the last five years, and even though there were 8,000km between the two countries, both faced serious challenges in the form of mass illegal migration.

“I look forward to welcoming the minister in Budapest, and as we have agreed on this today … he will no longer need a visa,” Szijjártó said, adding that diplomats will be trained in Budapest, “and we are also expecting the first Dominican scholarship recipients” who will study in Hungarian universities in September.Hungary and the Dominican Republic have formed “an alliance to protect their citizens against the hazards of illegal migration” in the face of “hypocritical international pressure”, the foreign minister said in Santo Domingo on Thursday.

Read also:

  • PM Orbán in Brussels: Hungary does not want a mixed society – Read more HERE
  • Highly-skilled Hungarian workforce fleeing the country – cause for concern? – Details in THIS article

Hungarian minister had talks with top German company leaders

Hungarian minister had talks with top German company leaders

Márton Nagy, the national economy minister, and a delegation from his ministry is traveling to Germany for talks with German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck, Federal Ministry of Finance parliamentary state secretary Florian Toncar and senior managers from BMW, Mercedes and Audi, Hungary’s national economy ministry said on Sunday.

The purpose of the delegation is to further strengthen Hungarian-German economic relations and to increase the proportion of Hungarian domestic suppliers working with German firms.

The ministry noted in its statement that it is in the interest of Hungary to further improve the economic performance and competitiveness of Germany, as it is Hungary’s most important foreign market, and to strengthen economic relations.

One of the central topics of the discussions will be the future of the automotive industry, with particular regard to the large German car factories present in Hungary and the production of electric vehicles. Hungary aims to set up a uniform EU support program that will significantly increase the demand for electric cars.

Read also:

  • Mercedes plant expansion in Hungary progressing on schedule – Read more HERE
  • Groundbreaking ceremony for defence giant Rheinmetall in Hungary – photos and details in THIS article

Revealed: Washington’s biggest adversary likely to visit Budapest for talks with PM Orbán

PM Orbán Xi Jinping in Beijing chinese president chinese ambassador szijjártó china hungarian
The intensifying rivalry between the US and China for global supremacy is reaching new heights, with both parties keen on rallying international support in what some are calling a modern-day “Cold War” era. However, PM Orbán and his administration beg to differ. Despite escalating tensions, Hungary aims to position itself as a mediator between these two superpowers. Hence, it comes as no surprise that Chinese leader Xi Jinping is anticipated to come for an official visit to Budapest this May, ahead of the EU and municipal elections.

PM Orbán’s vision: Hungary as a bridge between East and West

PM Orbán envisions Hungary as the pivotal link between Eastern and Western influences. He advocates for Budapest to maintain good relationships not only with the EU and the USA but also with the prominent powers forming the emerging “Eastern bloc,” including China, India and Russia.

In 2010, the Orbán cabinet announced the “Eastward Opening” initiative, aimed at exploring business prospects and fostering collaboration, such as in higher education, with Asian and African nations. Presently, the Hungarian government’s messaging consistently underscores the need for NATO and the EU to pursue peace and reconciliation in Ukraine, rather than endorsing Kyiv with financial aid and weaponry in its struggle against the Russian invasion. However, this stance is perceived by many in the West as pro-Russian.

PM Orbán has previously endorsed Donald Trump, with the two leaders meeting up in Florida in March. Despite Trump’s advocacy for more stringent anti-China policies, the pair maintains a strong collaborative dynamic. Trump regularly praises Orbán, and vice versa. Orbán pins his hopes on Trump’s reelection, believing it to be pivotal in normalising US-Hungarian relations. Nevertheless, how their “friendship” will work is a fair question, provided Trump enacts harsh anti-Beijing measures during his second presidency.

Trump Orbán
Trump and PM Orbán in Florida. Photo: FB/Orbán

Will President Xi make an appearance in Hungary?

According to Szabad Európa, Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit multiple European countries in May. Based on two sources of the news outlet, the President will come to Hungary following visits to France and Serbia.

Xi is scheduled to touch down in France on 5th May, followed by a subsequent trip to Belgrade two days later. Serbian President Vučić mentioned the visit in February without elaborating on an exact date.

Xi’s previous visit to Hungary occurred in 2009 when he held the position of Vice President of China. He was received by Hungarian President László Sólyom and PM Gordon Bajnai, during which they signed 15 bilateral agreements.

His most recent encounter with PM Orbán was in 2023 in Beijing, during which Xi affectionately referred to Orbán as his friend. He also hinted at commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Hungary, suggesting that this milestone could elevate bilateral relations to the next level.

PM Orbán Xi Jinping in Beijing
PM Orbán in Beijing with Xi Jinping. Photo: FB/Orbán

Major Chinese projects advance slowly in Hungary

Two months later, in December, it was announced that Chinese electric car giant BYD would establish the world’s biggest manufacturing plant in Szeged, Southern Hungary.

Another Chinese mega-project in Hungary is the Belgrade-Budapest railway construction and renewal project, which started in 2014 with an initial completion deadline of 2017. However, progress has been sluggish, with relevant details shrouded in secrecy.

Railway Hungary Budapest-Belgrade
Belgrade-Budapest railway construction. Photo: FB

Nonetheless, Investigate Europe noted that the investment will only become profitable after 979 years. The 160-kilometres-long Hungary section will cost HUF 750 billion (EUR 2.5 billion), with 85% of that sum being a Chinese state loan to Hungary.

Read also:

  • Surprise Twist: Budapest-Belgrade railway set to finish ahead of schedule – Details in THIS article
  • New direct flight from Budapest to one of the world’s largest cities – Read more HERE

Hungary’s Embassy in Cyprus reopens

hungary opens embassy in cyprus

Hungary and Cyprus “will never accept that the European Union should be divided up to first and second class member states,” Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Nicosia on Tuesday, adding that the two countries “firmly oppose scrapping unanimous decision making” in the EU.

At a press conference held jointly with his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos, Szijjártó said the economy and security of the community were “worse than after the coronavirus pandemic”, with particular regard to the EU’s decreasing competitiveness, the war in Ukraine and the risk of its escalation, as well as difficulties posed by illegal migration. He hoped the upcoming European parliamentary elections could bring changes “with the bloc turning in the right direction and the peace camp gaining strength”.

The Hungarian government urges peace as soon as possible, Szijjártó said, but admitted that its position “is not in the mainstream and not supported by a majority”. Hungary does not send weapons to Ukraine and “sharply opposes declarations concerning the possibility of sending Western troops”, he said.

He said those “promoting the peace camp’s position are stigmatised” and “there is a tiny room for a sober dialogue” on the matter, adding that “similarly, there was no opportunity for a meaningful debate concerning some kind of compensation for member states seriously impacted by the sanctions against Russia.”

Concerning the proposed scrapping of unanimous decisions in the EU, Szijjártó said,

“We will never accept a situation in which the big countries could make decisions on issues also impacting us, leaving us the only possibility to say ‘yes, sir.'”

The EU’s Hungarian presidency in the second half of the year will be aimed “to stop a further weakening of the community”, he said, adding that “a strong Europe requires strong members.” The EU needs “new momentum and energy, which could only come from the outside; the (Hungarian) government, therefore, will have the promotion of the integration of the Western Balkans high on its agenda,” he said. He added, however, that some countries should not be granted a “fast track” procedure for political reasons; “each candidate must be assessed on their actual merits.” The Western Balkan states “deserve a fair and positive attitude”, he said. Hungary and Cyprus will join forces to promote the issue, he added.

The Hungarian presidency will place increased focus on the fight against illegal migration, Szijjártó said. “The government considers migration as a hazard rather than an opportunity,” he said, adding that “migration must be stemmed rather than managed”.

Szijjártó welcomed that “similarly to Hungary, Cyprus always promotes its national interests in the EU”, and noted a regular political coordination between the two countries.

Regarding the economy, Szijjártó pointed to tourism as a fast-developing sector and said

over 66,000 Hungarians had visited Cyprus in 2023, up 31 percent from the previous year.

The turnover of bilateral trade is above 100 million euros, Szijjártó said, adding that energy offered further opportunities for cooperation, with special regard to new resources in Cyprus.

Szijjártó also mentioned that Hungary had sent troops to the United Nations peacekeeping mission (UNFICYP), “thus contributing to peace and stability.”

Hungarian embassy opens in Cyprus

Considering the economic relations, the future energy cooperation, the large Hungarian community, and the many tourists and soldiers, the government decided to reopen the embassy in Nicosia and to improve services.

He said that it is important to provide better services to Hungarian citizens visiting or even permanently living in Cyprus, but that a personal diplomatic presence can also be a means to further improve bilateral relations.

“I hope that the presence of the embassy will clearly demonstrate the importance that the Hungarian side attaches to this relationship,” he said, thanking the local authorities for their help in dealing with the matter quickly.

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Hungary would like to modernise Kenyan farming

Hungarian foreign minister_Kenya is key to Europe's stability

African stability is key to European security, and Kenyan support is vital in terms of combatting terrorism and hosting refugees, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in Nairobi on Wednesday, adding that Hungary is making large contributions towards these efforts.

Hungary and Kenya this year are celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Szijjártó said at a joint news conference held with Kenyan counterpart Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi.

He said ties were based on mutual respect and were especially valued in the current era of wars and the mounting threat of terrorism, the ministry quoted Szijjártó as saying.

Hungary, he said, provides aid to Kenya, adding that the more stable and developed the country is the better the security situation. Hungary is launching a 6 billion forint (EUR 15.2m) lending scheme under which Hungarian companies are establishing two centres for the purpose of upgrading irrigation systems and fisheries in the country with the aim of improving the security of food supplies.

Also, Hungary is providing 200 million forints for setting up an agricultural education and research hub for modernising Kenyan farming using Hungarian seed technology.

Fairer, more balanced international political system

Meanwhile, the minister welcomed Kenya’s decision to build a nuclear power plant, saying the project would help to cut harmful emissions. The sides have signed a cooperation pact on nuclear education and training, with Hungary helping to train Kenyan specialists and sharing experiences in regulation.

Referring to Hungary’s EU presidency in the second half of the year, Szijjártó expressed recognition of Kenya’s call for a “fairer, more balanced international political system”, saying that Hungary supported this aim since politics was now geared towards “lecturing and criticising each other instead of cooperating”.

Noting that the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement was signed last year, he said Hungary would do its utmost to make sure it came into force during the six months of its EU presidency.

200 Kenyans can come to study in the Hungarian higher education

The minister noted the expansion of the Education Hungary office, and said that as well as the founding universities of Pécs, Debrecen, IBS International Business School and Agriculture and Life Sciences, Miskolc and Sopron universities have also joined the scheme that advises students interested in training opportunities in Hungary.

Before, Hungarian agriculture minister István Nagy was on a visit in Kenya:

Hungarian government built a model farm in Kenya
Photo: FB/István Nagy

Out of the 290,000 people studying in Hungarian higher education, 40,000 are foreign and Kenyans have access to 200 scholarships each year, he noted, adding that they could go on to help develop their country with the knowledge they had gained. Given the popularity of the programme, Hungary is considering expanding the number of participants, he said.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Njuguna N’dungu, Kenya’s finance minister, Szijjártó said the east African region provided a great opportunity for Hungarian companies, adding that he was being accompanied on the trip by executives of 17 companies interested in possible investments and partnerships.

Szijjarto said the business leaders in his delegation to Kenya represented cutting edge technologies in farming, food safety, water management and administrative services, whose projects could contribute to Kenya’s economic development. He said representatives of the two countries were set to sign a mutual investment protection accord, while preparations for an agreement aimed at avoiding double taxation were on the agenda.

The minister highlighted Kenya’s stabilising role in the region, noting that country’s efforts to fight terrorism and its accommodating hundreds of thousands of refugees.

Read also:

  • Hungarian government built a model farm in Kenya – Read more HERE
  • Journey of tribute: Zsolt Vadász and the Trabant Expedition’s African adventure – Read his story in THIS article

Here is the new Hungarian President’s first foreign visit: he called for deepening dialogue

Here is the new Hungarian President's first foreign visit

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok underscored the importance of maintaining and deepening dialogue between Hungary and Poland, after meeting his Polish counterpart in Stary Sacz, in southern Poland, on Friday.

Polish-Hungarian friendship goes back over a millennium and is deeply rooted in Hungarian society, Sulyok, who is on a working visit to Poland on the occasion of the Day of Hungarian-Polish Friendship, told a joint press conference with Andrzej Duda.

“We in central and eastern Europe share a common cause and destiny, and this is what has united the two countries since the time of Kinga of Poland,” he said.

Sulyok said his talks with Duda had touched on the Three Seas Initiative, the importance of military development, minorities and bilateral trade relations.

He said Hungarians and Poles had always known when it was important to fight for freedom, and history had always shown that the two countries could only be free, equal and fast-growing countries in Europe when they were united.

President Tamás Sulyok
Tamás Sulyok, the new President of Hungary. Photo: MTI

Hungary and Poland, he said, also had several shared interests when it came to foreign policy. Hungary is proud that its defence spending reaches 2 percent of GDP, he said, adding that the upgrade of the military was a priority for Hungary as well as for Poland.

The two nations are also bound together by their national minority communities in each other’s countries, Sulyok said. There is a Polish minority in Kaposvar, in southern Hungary, he noted, and extended an invitation to Duda to mark the Day of Hungarian-Polish Friendship in Kaposvár next year.

Leaders in NATO in terms of defence spending

Sulyok said they were both open to dialogue and cooperation, which was important for finding common ground. He said Poland was Hungary’s third biggest trading partner in 2023, and highlighted the close relations between the two countries’ legislative assemblies.

Meanwhile, Sulyok said both he and Duda considered the Three Seas Initiative and the Bucharest Nine (B9) group important. He stressed the importance of “every project that supports European cohesion and economic growth”.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said Poland and Hungary were leaders in NATO in terms of defence spending.

Duda noted that Hungary was spending 3 percent of its GDP on defence and Poland was spending over 4 percent.

“In this respect, we are leaders in terms of fulfilling the requirements of NATO,” the Polish president said. Citing the “changing global and European security situation”, Duda reiterated a proposal he made earlier that NATO members should raise their defence spending to 3 percent of GDP.

On Saturday, Sulyok is scheduled to lay a wreath at the tomb of Jadwiga of Poland in Wawel Cathedral.

Read also:

  • New Hungarian commander-in-chief briefed about Hungary’s security situation – Read more HERE
  • New Hungarian President: ‘Serving country, nation is greatest honour’

Avenue in Bangkok is named after Budapest and a statue of János Xantus is unveiled

thailand hungary

The naming of an avenue after Budapest in Bangkok and the inauguration of the statue of Hungarian 19th-century ethnologist János Xantus are proof of the long-standing friendship based on mutual respect between the two countries, the foreign minister said on Tuesday.

Péter Szijjártó expressed thanks to the local authorities at the inauguration ceremony, the ministry said in a statement.

Hungary and Thailand last year celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, though ties “go back even further, with the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and the Kingdom of Siam forging ties 155 years ago,” he said. The minister added that Xantus frequently traveled to Southeast Asia in the 19th century when it was not as simple a task as today.

Szijjártó said the friendship between the two countries should be broadened and strengthened.

On Tuesday, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said in Bangkok that Hungary regards East-West cooperation as a great opportunity rather than a risk, from which many can profit, details HERE.

  • read also: ASEAN Day celebrated in Budapest – PHOTOS