Foreign Minister János Martonyi paid an official visit to Berlin on 5 February to hold talks with his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Mr. Martonyi declared that Germany is Hungary's number one partner, with "major German investments having been realised" in the country in recent years. Should there be disputed questions between the two countries in the future, "we will discuss them intensively, in an earnest and friendly atmosphere, just as before," he said. Frank-Walter Steinmeier also stated that "critical disputes" about political, legal and economic changes in Hungary had been settled, and "it can be established with satisfaction that ties will be further developed", and German companies will create more jobs in Hungary.

Asked if the issue of the upgrade of the Paks nuclear power plant was raised during the talks, János Martonyi stressed that the decision on expansion aimed to ensure that Hungary's energy security be maintained. The decision had no global policy background or content, he said.  Short of sufficient fossil fuel reserves and funds for tapping renewable energy resources, Hungary would face the danger of being left without power after the closure of the existing four blocks of the Paks nuclear power plant. "This is a risk no responsible government or parliament can take," he added. Expanding the plant with Russian involvement is dictated by "economic, financial and technological reasons", János Martonyi said, adding that Hungary's choice of a Russian contractor did by no means signal that the country had turned overly towards Russia.

The talks between the two foreign ministers also focused on Ukraine. Minister Steinmeier said "there is some hope for a political solution or at least such solutions cannot be excluded." As long as the opposing sides are negotiating, there is no need for EU sanctions.  Should the Kiev government hamper talks, the EU "might have to impose sanctions", the German Foreign Minister stated. Mr. Martonyi claimed that Hungary did not see "sanctions as practicable" against Ukraine in the current situation, but in the case outlined by Mr. Steinmeier there would be a need for "a package of powerful sanctions" rather than "mosquito bites".

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)