"It is an absurd situation that while Hungary and Egypt are fighting together for peace in Europe and to stop illegal migration, Brussels is pursuing an irresponsible policy and making increasingly serious mistakes," Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said in Cairo on Thursday.
Following talks with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelati, Minister Szijjártó noted that both central Europe and the Middle East were facing major challenges and the security of the two regions is more closely linked than ever before, according to a statement issued by his ministry.
"This is a very absurd situation. Apart from Brussels and the pro-war European leaders, practically the whole world wants peace in Europe. The US president is making serious efforts to bring back peace in Europe. (...) This is also supported by African countries that are faced by the negative impact of the war. In contrast, Brussels and the pro-war European leaders are trying to undermine this," he said.
There is a similarly absurd situation with migration, Minister Szijjártó said. While it has been proven in the past decade that illegal migration poses a great danger to Europe's security, future and identity, Brussels encourages and supports illegal migration while Egypt, as the main bastion of the North African defence line, is keeping the influx of people at bay.
He expressed his thanks to Cairo for its firm action against terrorist groups, people smuggling networks and extremist ideologies, and for not allowing the masses of illegal immigrants to Europe.
Minister Szijjártó called on Brussels to stop obstructing the peace negotiations and supporting migration, and to appreciate Egypt's role in maintaining European security.
"We call on the European institutions to give Egypt the promised four billion euros of aid without delay, and not to set artificial political and ideological conditions for the payments," he said.
He also gave thanks to Cairo for its assistance in evacuating Hungarians living in the Gaza Strip after the outbreak of fighting, and for its work in freeing hostages held by Hamas.
"There is still one Hungarian hostage, hopefully alive, and we are praying for his return home to this day, and we hope that a situation can be created here in the Middle East as soon as possible, where the kidnapped hostages can all return home to their families," the minister said.