Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said in Budapest on Friday that further improving cooperation with Turkey is “one of the most important priorities” for the Hungarian government, and “the level of ties will be elevated to strategic partnership” before the end of the year.
Addressing a reception marking Turkey’s national holiday at the Turkish embassy, Minister Szijjártó referred to the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and said “countries ensuring security and stability to entire regions”, such as Turkey, are “highly appreciated”. Highlighting Turkey’s role in mediating last year’s agreement concerning grain exports from Ukraine, Minister Szijjártó said: “We are looking to the Turkish government to continue its efforts in the interest of peace”. Meanwhile, he said: “Unless Turkey stopped waves of migration, we in Europe would face serious challenges and might not be in the position to handle them successfully.” Minister Szijjártó also called for strengthening the cooperation between the European Union and Turkey, which “could help the community make a decision concerning its dilemma between the world building blocs again or choosing connectivity”.