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He stressed that the war in Ukraine had made the role of the Balkans more precious as in his view this was the European Union’s last major resource reserve. The EU needs all the vitality and dynamism it can muster because today it is losing its competitiveness, and this process must be reversed, he pointed out.
Mr Orbán paid an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He highlighted that in a political and economic sense the two countries qualified as neighbours; this is how Hungary looks upon Sarajevo, and over there they can always rely on a responsible neighbourhood policy on the part of Hungary.
The Prime Minister said at this point in time in the European Union “everything is in turmoil,” major transformations are taking place in the economy, in technology and also in security policy. The Russo-Ukrainian war and Europe’s involvement therein is an impression of that, he added.
He stressed that Hungary had a sovereign foreign policy, and accordingly – “whatever anyone in Brussels might say” – Hungary supports the Balkans’ and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s swift accession to the EU.
He mentioned the position that the EU funds intended for cohesion purposes should be given to the region’s countries already now, rather than waiting for their official accession, and that the making available of development funds should also be brought forward as part of Hungary’s Balkans policy. “We cannot have all the money going to Ukraine,” there must also be money for the Balkans’ development and security, he said.
He also reiterated that Hungary did not support policies based on sanctions as they were futile.
He said the long-term solution to the region’s problems lies in the cooperation of the peoples living here, not in the presence of strangers. All possible powers must be returned into the hands of the locals.
Mr Orbán also said Hungary continues to remain happy to take part in guaranteeing the Balkans’ security, and if necessary, it is even ready to increase its present contribution to the EUFOR mission.
Both the Hungarian Prime Minister and his host described bilateral cooperation as satisfactory, and Mr Orbán confirmed that the Hungarian government is expecting pointers from Sarajevo regarding the economic sectors where Hungarian presence may be required, in addition to those in which Hungarian businesses are already present such as air transport, the financial sector and renewable energy. They both expressed their conviction that the present meeting was a significant step forward in bilateral relations. Mr Orbán said the talks represented a good beginning, and an opportunity for government ministers and members of the business communities to lend further cooperation between the two countries “the depth and dynamic it deserves.” Borjana Kristo added that bilateral cooperation as well as Bosnian-Hungarian cooperation in various institutions guaranteed the success of the projects currently under way.
Mr Orbán remarked: from outside they observe with great admiration the way the complex political system comprised of three national communities is operated in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressed his appreciation for the fact that they are able to keep the country in a functional state.
He also said the two countries share a community of fate because they both – even if in different ways – suffered under communist rule, and the ensuing transition lasts to this day. On the part of the new Bosnian government, he saw friendship and respect for Hungary, while Hungary itself will also give Bosnia the respect that it deserves.
Last December, Bosnia was granted official member state candidate status by the European Union; Borjana Kristo thanked Hungary for emphatically supporting her country in this process.
Borjana Kristo said Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with the Western Balkans was “a desirable factor” for the European Union, and fosters amicable and good neighbourly relations with Hungary.
In Sarajevo, Mr Orbán also met with the three members of the presidency, and then paid a visit to the country’s Parliament. In the afternoon, he travelled on to Banja Luka in order to conduct talks with President of the Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó also accompanied the Prime Minister on his official visit.
