Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that the good relations between Hungary and Serbia were rooted in common features of the two nations.
“Serbs have freedom, sovereignty and independence in their DNA like Hungarians do.” That “shared DNA” is at the root of the respect Hungarians show towards Serbia, the prime minister said. PM Orbán praised his ties with Vučić, saying they had met for the 32nd time on Tuesday. “Friendship and alliance in politics is only achievable with hard work,” he said. Meanwhile, the differences between the two nations are valuable assets in cooperation, he said: “Serbia is not a NATO member like Hungary. Serbia is not an EU member like Hungary. Serbia is an Orthodox Catholic country, and Hungary is Roman Catholic. Serbia is situated in the Balkans, while Hungary is in central Europe.” Strategic cooperation between them is expected to be hugely beneficial for both parties, he said. The delegations of Hungary and Serbia signed 12 agreements during the meeting in Palić. The documents pertaining to the foundation of the Hungarian-Serbian Strategic Cooperation Council, cooperation in foreign affairs, border protection, the construction of an oil pipeline between the two countries, European integration, the protection and exchange of confidential data, infrastructure, agriculture, defence and customs.