Hungary's Foreign Minister János Martonyi, who is paying a two-day official visit to Romania, met his Romanian counterpart Titus Corlatean in Bucharest. The Ministers discussed differences regarding the recent Romanian ban of the Szekely flag on public buildings. They agreed cooperation should take the sensitivities of both sides and the rights of ethnic communities and European norms pertaining to national minorities into consideration.

Using proper language in Hungarian-Romanian relations is a must as both countries have an interest in maintaining partnership, János Martonyi said after the talks. The two sides agreed on the need to preserve the foundations of cooperation and settle their differences primarily between themselves, through diplomatic channels, he stated. Hungary will make every possible effort to maintain partnership, he added.

János Martonyi also asked his counterpart that the Romanians should be more cautious in their political rhetoric so as not to create a climate which generates fear in ethnic Hungarians living in Romania. "This is more important than grand politics. I make a point of whether ethnic Hungarians feel at home, in safety here and their rights are respected” he said.
After their meeting, the two Foreign Ministers attended a conference organised in honour of the 10th anniversary of signing the Hungarian-Romanian Strategic Partnership. Addressing the conference, Jánosi Martonyi said Hungary and Romania have common interests and countries in Central and Eastern Europe region must work together, which, however requires mutual trust and due restraint in the rhetoric used. He added that the governments of both Hungary and Romania agree that the minority issue is not an internal affair.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)