Hungarian Foreign Minister János Martonyi emphasised that his visit to South America had given new impetus to Hungary’s relations with Latin America.

Ending his tour in South America on May 18th, 2012, the head of the Foreign Ministry stated that the results of his visit to Argentina and Brazil had exceeded all expectations, and they had managed to achieve progress in the policy of global opening concerning our relations in the areas of politics, economy, trade, science and education. The Hungarian communities of the region also contribute to the tightening of relations; this cooperation has important historical and cultural traditions. He claimed that this was even more significant for the reason that it was this region where the really important things were happening at the moment.

Concerning Brazil, the Foreign Minister emphasised that this country had become a global power, of which they were more and more aware, feeling their global responsibility. He pointed out that for this reason it did make a difference for Hungary how our bilateral relations with the South American country developed. He added that Brazil was a young nation trusting in the future, becoming stronger and stronger, and we could learn much from them.

Mr. Martonyi mentioned the friendliness with which Brazilian politicians and businessmen had received him, and further top-level meetings were expected in the near future. He made it clear that Antonio Patriota, Brazilian Foreign Minister would hopefully visit Budapest soon, while János Áder, President of Hungary – as well as the Minister of Rural Development, the Minister of State for Education, and the Minister for National Economy – might travel to the Rio+20 Summit organised in Brazil. He remarked that a delegation of Hungarian businessmen would travel to the meeting of the Joint Committee on Economy in November 2012.

János Martonyi also mentioned that we had concluded an important higher education agreement with Brazil. The Latin American country plans to enable around 100.000 Brazilian students to study abroad, hopefully many of them coming to Hungary. He referred to information technology and biotechnology as further significant areas of cooperation and expressed his opinion that Hungary could learn from Brazil regarding alternative energy sources.

The Foreign Minister also informed that he had requested assistance from his Brazilian counterpart in Előd Tóásó’s case, as Antonio Patriota had good relations with the Bolivian Government. He stated that the head of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry would do his best to ensure a fair trial for the Hungarian citizen and to obtain his release from detention as soon as possible. Mr. Martonyi also mentioned that they had managed to convince several people to intercede in the case.

Foreign Minister Martonyi commenced his tour in South America involving Argentina and Brazil on May 12th, 2012. Within the framework of the policy of global opening, he participated in bilateral negotiations with his counterparts, consulted with top politicians and members of economic chambers, and met with representatives of the local Hungarian communities during his official visits.

(kormany.hu)