Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said both Europe and Africa have a vested interest in the success of US President Donald Trump's efforts for peace, and that the war in Ukraine ends as soon as possible, adding that "European politicians should stop undermining those endeavours."
Minister Szijjártó held a joint press conference with Nasser Bourita, his Moroccan counterpart, and said Africa was also among "losers" of the war, as soaring inflation posed a serious challenge for both Africa and Europe.
"We found it regrettable ... that a significant part of European politicians will be bent on going on with the war, undermining the path to peace, which is in conflict with the interests of people both in Europe and in Africa," the minister said, and called on those politicians not to hinder endeavours for peace.
Minister Szijjártó said illegal migration was a shared challenge with Africa, adding that "Brussels' pro-migration policy" made it difficult to act against migration. With regard to Africa's increasing population, "policies encouraging people to leave their homes" are dangerous, Minister Szijjártó said, and called for a comprehensive strategy to African development. Europe should cooperate with stable and economically strong countries in Africa, such as Morocco.
Concerning bilateral ties, Minister Szijjártó said Morocco had been Hungary's largest partner in Africa last year, the turnover of bilateral trade reaching an annual 400 million dollars. Cooperation in the future could be increased in the nuclear industry, as well as in the areas of digital and financial services, food production and water management.
Minister Szijjártó called Morocco a friendly country with which relations are based on mutual respect. Bilateral ties are free from open political issues or conflict, and Morocco "never sought to interfere with Hungary's domestic affairs," he added.