Western Balkan countries need support in stopping migration, says Hungarian FM in Kosovo

The Western Balkans need help in fighting illegal migration, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said on Thursday in Pristina.

The United Nations and the European Commission support migration processes, he said. “Rather than chaotically distributing all kinds of anonymous [pre-paid bank] cards for migrants, help should be provided to Western Balkan countries so they can stop inflows of migrants,” he said.

Szijjártó met several members of the Kosovo government and the head of state. He told MTI that a small country such as Kosovo could help stop migration if it remained stable and kept control of its borders.

Meanwhile, the minister said that

Hungary is raising the number of soldiers serving in KFOR, the international peacekeeping force operating under NATO in Kosovo.

Around 400 Hungarian soldiers currently serve in KFOR. Hungary also wants to put forward a Hungarian candidate for the next command post, he added.

Szijjártó also said he had discussed economic and European integration issues in Pristina with several members of the government and the head of state.

The minister said Hungary’s government supports Kosovo’s European integration endeavours and the conclusion of the visa liberalisation process, “given that Kosovo has fulfilled all European Union preconditions”.

He noted that a Hungarian foreign ministry adviser aided Kosovo’s minister for European integration.

Szijjártó also told Kosovan politicians that Hungary supports Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. Hopefully, he added, both would conclude a pact to enhance stability in the Western Balkans.

He noted that a contract for a 62 million euro investment loan was signed. As part of this,

the Hungarian state’s toll service provider will build a 6 million euro road safety system in Kosovo.

Also, the two sides agreed on the final text of an investment protection accord and sent it to the European Union for approval.

Further, it was also agreed that HungaroControl will continue to provide air control in the high airspace of Kosovo.

Source: MTI