One of Hungary’s priorities is to expedite the European Union accession process for Western Balkan countries, stated Péter Szijjártó, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, following a meeting with the President of the Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, in Banja Luka.
“We are on the verge of Hungary’s EU presidency, and one of our priorities will be accelerating the EU integration process for Western Balkan countries. The European Union needs fresh energy, and the Western Balkans is a region that can provide that,” emphasized Szijjártó.
Szijjártó believes that establishing lasting peace in this part of the world is in the interest of both the EU and the Balkans. He emphasized that for successful integration acceleration, the EU must engage in respectful dialogue with its Western Balkan partners.
“All EU member states and its institutions should respect the views and decisions of Western Balkan countries. Election results should be respected because people in these countries have the right to choose their representatives, and we should respect that right,” emphasized Szijjártó.
He expressed his desire for a successful enlargement without any pressure from the EU.
“That’s why we have been and will continue to be against placing any representative from the Western Balkans under sanctions. We oppose reducing funds for assistance to the Western Balkans because it harms the people living here,” Szijjártó conveyed.
He added that the economic development project in the Republic of Srpska is continuing.
“The benefits will certainly be felt by farmers, as well as the Republic of Srpska and Hungary,” Szijjártó highlighted.”
Source: RTRS
