Germany is a key strategic ally to Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated at a joint press conference in Berlin on Thursday, prior to talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Speaking to the press, the Prime Minister stated that Hungary's aim was to strengthen and further deepen bilateral ties, which were excellent.
He noted that Germany had invested some 6 billion euros in Hungary since 2010, and said that the presence of the German economy in Hungary and in Central Europe contributed to efforts to make the region "the engine driving Europe's economic growth".
Concerning his Fidesz party's recent election victory, Prime Minister Orbán said that the party "feels a lot of strength to govern Hungary further along the path which proved successful during the past four years". He noted that Hungary's industrial output in March was 10.6 percent up year-on-year and said that "we have good reason to be optimistic".
He stated that his talks with Merkel would touch upon the Russia-Ukraine situation and added that Hungary supports Germany's efforts. He also appreciated Chancellor Merkel's personal efforts to promote a resolution through negotiations. The Hungarian Prime Minister also referred to Ukraine's Hungarian community of about 200,000, and said that ensuring protection and security to those people was crucial for Hungary.
At the press conference, Chancellor Merkel stated that Hungarians had voted a lot of confidence to Prime Minister Orbán, which also meant a huge responsibility. She emphasised that her people would never forget that Hungary opened up its borders for East-German refugees in 1989, which greatly contributed to Germany's reunification.
The German Chancellor stated that both countries were committed to further developing close economic ties, adding that a number of examples have demonstrated the success of Hungarian-German cooperation. Concerning Ukraine, she said that the crisis should be resolved through diplomatic means and the introduction of sanctions cannot be a "purpose in itself”.
(Prime Minister's Office)
