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Europe's security challenges will not be solved without US-Russia help

Hungary's foreign minister has said that without cooperation between the United States and Russia, it will not be possible to face up to Europe’s security challenges effectively

Hungary's foreign minister has said that without cooperation between the United States and Russia, it will not be possible to face up to Europe’s security challenges effectively.

Péter Szijjártó, minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, made the comments during a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York.

Minister Szijjártó told MTI that he would analyze Europe’s post-Cold War situation and how it must confront simultaneous and grave challenges and conflicts.

“These conflicts and security challenges are not exclusively European, but many … with global components and global causes are burdening Europe all at the same time,” the minister said. Solutions to the various crises and armed conflicts which threaten European security do not expressly depend on Europe, he said. “It appears that a realistic resolution can only be found … if the Russians and Americans decide to repair their relations and switch to a more pragmatic relationship,” he added.

Minister Szijjártó said he would point out that the deal with Iran on containing its nuclear developments would not have come about had the US and Russia not negotiated on the same side.

“We Hungarians support every initiative that brings the US and Russia closer together, and we regard as damaging every decision that digs ever deeper trenches, be they political or economic," he said.

“We urge dialogue between the US and Russia based on mutual trust that respects international law because without such cooperation, it will not be able to deliver the final blow to the Islamic State, which in turn is the only realistic way to end the migrant crisis plaguing Europe,” the minister added.

The security of the region abutting Europe has a direct influence on European security, he said, underlining the importance of US-Russian cooperation in providing a robust response which underpins security.