Bilateral dialogue should not only be maintained but also strengthened in order for Hungary and Slovakia to better serve their national interests, as well as the strategic partnership between the two countries at both regional and European levels, President Tamás Sulyok said on Thursday at a joint press conference with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Budapest.

Tamás Sulyok stated that several key areas aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership were reviewed during the Thursday meeting. He added that in light of Hungary holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union, he requested Peter Pellegrini’s support to help Hungary, as an honest mediator, facilitate efforts to curb illegal migration, strengthen European defence policy, promote a farmer-centric EU agricultural policy, and address demographic challenges effectively during its presidency.

Regarding enlargement, Sulyok emphasized that both countries share the same stance: the EU accession process for Western Balkan countries should be accelerated. He highlighted to Peter Pellegrini that while the European Union is a large federation and adaptive system, it is also worthwhile to maintain and operate smaller local units based on good dialogue and cooperation. He expressed his support for the Visegrád initiative and hoped that the community would become an even stronger European engine at the upcoming winter meeting in Poland.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Hungarian Army, Tamás Sulyok noted that the continuous development of the Hungarian military could further contribute to joint airspace security tasks. He conveyed to his Slovak counterpart in a private discussion Hungary’s resistance to all forms of aggression. ‘Human dignity is inviolable, it must be respected, protected, and upheld,’ he stressed, highlighting that human rights are fundamental natural rights for all individuals, encompassing freedom, peace, and self-determination.

Sulyok condemned any actions against peace, whether through military aggression, acts of terrorism, or assassinations.

He expressed his solidarity with those suffering from unrest and hoped that such incidents would decrease and cease as soon as possible.

He also mentioned discussions about the situation of national minorities, agreeing that supporting cohabitation is in the interest of both parties. Sulyok hoped that the future Slovak Hungarian adviser to the Slovak President would contribute to this. He added that Hungary is making every effort to provide significant support to the Slovak community in Hungary, while caring for Hungarians worldwide remains a priority.

Sulyok also mentioned Hungary’s interest in the smooth operation of the Rovás Civic Association in Kassa (Košice), Slovakia, and the development of cross-border railway connections.

Slovakia will not join any attempts or activities aimed at boycotting the Hungarian presidency, Peter Pellegrini stated. He added that Slovak government representatives would participate in and support all Hungarian activities, stressing that he does not believe anyone should be punished for seeking dialogue. He thanked Hungary for extending Slovakia’s air defence until the end of 2025. Pellegrini also mentioned that economic assistance between the two countries would continue to grow, encompassing not only the exchange of goods but also labour. He highlighted the increased focus on border infrastructure, with the number of crossing points rising from 16 to 40, and the continued attention to railway border connections.

He offered Slovakia’s expertise and experience in the field of nuclear energy. Pellegrini also agreed that the V4 is a viable project and that in matters where their views align, they should act in unity. He mentioned several topics, including illegal migration and agricultural protection issues.

He asked Tamás Sulyok to prioritize issues important to Slovakia during Hungary’s presidency, such as the varying quality of food products in Europe. Pellegrini, thanking the Hungarian government for its infrastructure investments, stated that Hungarian communities in Slovakia are fully integrated, with no tensions or unresolved issues. He also noted that he has an adviser to assist him on minority issues.

The Slovak President invited Tamás Sulyok for an official visit to Slovakia during their meeting.

Related articles: