Following talks with his Spanish counterpart Arancha González Laya in Madrid, Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said another wave of migration could pose serious health and economic risks.
According to MTI, Minister Szijjártó argued that the coronavirus epidemic has hit countries with poor economies, and its spread could lead to increased illegal migration. Rooted in their geographical location, Hungary and Spain have different positions on migration, however, there are links as well, he said, adding, for example, that both countries are committed to fighting human smuggling rings
The minister said Hungary and Spain see eye to eye concerning the principle of delivering assistance where problems arise, and will launch a shared water management project in Morocco to improve supplies for local residents.
Referring to the pandemic, Minister Szijjártó said that “Europe must avoid getting in such a vulnerable position as in recent months, therefore some strategic capacities must be developed even if they may seem redundant in ‘peace’ times”.
Spain is Hungary’s 15th greatest trading partner, while 200 Spanish firms employ over 5,000 people in Hungary, he said, adding that bilateral ties could offer further opportunities for cooperation.
Finally, the minister announced that Hungary will open a consular office in Málaga.