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FM: Western Balkans needs help to fight illegal migration

“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,” the foreign minister said

The foreign minister has highlighted that the Western Balkans needs help in fighting illegal migration.

Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said on Thursday in Pristina that the United Nations and the European Commission support migration processes.

“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.

Minister Szijjártó met several members of the Kosovon government and the head of state during his visit and came to the conclusion that a small country such as Kosovo could help stop migration if it remained stable and kept control of its borders.

The minister also revealed 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.

Minister Szijjártó also said he had discussed economic and European integration issues with several members of the government and the head of state during his trip.

The minister said Hungary’s government supports Kosovo’s European integration endeavors and the conclusion of the visa liberalization 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.