In Budapest the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that the significance of the Western Balkans for his country has increased in recent times as a result of world political and economic changes, and so Hungary must pursue even closer economic and political cooperation with the region’s countries.
In a joint press conference after talks with his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Poposki, the Minister emphasised that energy, agriculture and water management could be important areas of cooperation between Macedonia and Hungary.
Mr. Szijjártó explained that trade between the two countries had increased by 20% in the first nine months of this year, and in September the value of Hungarian exports to Macedonia had crossed above one hundred million euros. Significant results are expected from the Hungarian trading house which has opened in Skopje, and he added that a credit facility of EUR 134 million has been created in Eximbank for the promotion of bilateral trade and cooperation between Hungarian and Macedonian companies.
According to the Minister, a flagship of the economic cooperation between the two countries could be the negotiation on the possibility of the MVM Hungarian energy group participating in the construction of an interconnector linking the Macedonian and Albanian electricity networks.
Mr. Szijjártó added that next week Central European and Chinese representatives will meet to sign an agreement between China, Serbia and Hungary on the modernisation of the Budapest-Belgrade railway line; via this route Western Europe can be supplied with Chinese goods arriving at Greek ports. He explained that it is envisaged that these three countries will sign an agreement with Macedonia for the modern railway line to extend from Belgrade all the way to the Greek ports, thus benefiting the countries along the route.
The Minister said that, after the cancellation of the South Stream project, the Hungarian government is investigating what other options would ensure the diversification of gas supply routes at the most competitive price, in the most reliable way and within the shortest possible timeframe. He said that there is an alternative in which Macedonia could play a role.
Mr. Poposki said that he appreciates Hungary’s consistent support for his country’s accession to the EU and NATO, and also for the principle that for the future of Western Balkan countries there is no alternative to Euro-Atlantic integration. He expressed his hope that problems delaying Macedonia’s integration are solved as soon as possible, because in his opinion EU enlargement cannot be postponed for a matter of years.
He said that Macedonia sees Hungary as a friendly country, and that to date the countries have signed more than forty bilateral agreements. He added that this year has seen the celebration of twenty years of diplomatic relations.
Among the possible areas of cooperation, the Macedonian Foreign Minister mentioned investment projects and agriculture, and welcomed the opening of the trading house in Skopje. He noted that cooperation opportunities will also be discussed at next year's sitting of the Macedonian-Hungarian Joint Committee.