Washington should play a more active role in Central Europe and make "brave" use of the region's experiences, Deputy Prime Minister Tibor Navracsics said. If the United States’ presence carries on diminishing in the region, Russia or another country will turn up and take its place, he stated in a discussion at the Heritage Foundation think-tank.

Central Europe has practically "vanished from the radar of US diplomacy", yet the region significant from the point of view of the European balance of power, he added, stating that it is also an important "point of contact" for the Western Balkans, Europe's least stable region. Central European countries have gained vast experiences in conflict management, and are well acquainted with the Balkan region's traditions and culture, Minister Navracsics pointed out, adding that it was regrettable that Washington seemed uninterested in tapping into that experience.

He emphasised that the political and economic transition processes in Central European countries proved to be uniquely successful, as these had resulted not only in the creation and stabilisation of a market-based economy but the establishing of a stable democracy as well. Experiences here could be used in places like Cuba, North Korea or countries in transition in Africa or Asia, the Minister said.

"US diplomacy is blind if it does not make use of the experiences of the central European countries," he added.
To be considered as a serious partner, Central Europe must itself change, overcome its differences and strengthen regional cooperation, Minister Navracsics stated, noting that the cooperation of the Visegrad Four group of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia is an example to follow.

(MTI, Ministry of Public Administration and Justice)