Hungary’s policies regarding neighboring states are rooted in constant dialogue and mutual respect, Minister Szijjártó said.
Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said Hungary is committed to supporting Bosnia-Herzegovina’s accession to the European Union, as it would be beneficial for the country’s peace and prosperity, in itself an important factor in the Western Balkans’ stability.
Speaking after talks with Nermin Niksic, the prime minister of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Minister Szijjártó told a joint press conference that stability in the Western Balkans was especially important at difficult times.
Hungary’s policies regarding neighboring states are rooted in constant dialogue and mutual respect, Minister Szijjártó said.
“We are doubtlessly among the few who can maintain dialogue with all players of domestic politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Szijjártó said.
Hungary prioritises communication with Western Balkans states rather than talking about them, which Szijjártó said was more common in the EU. “We think that relations based on mutual respect of these countries’ sovereignty and will is crucial.”
Peace and prosperity in Bosnia and Herzegovina are also key to the region’s stability, he said.
Hungary is therefore supporting the accession procedure, which has been slow, he said. Bosnia and Herzegovina applied for EU membership in 2016, but negotiations only started last March, he said.
The Hungarian presidency of the European Council is working to have the negotiating framework adopted as soon as possible, “which will need a few legislative measures in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he said. As soon as that happens, Hungary will urge the European Commission to hold an intergovernmental conference establishing the negotiating framework as soon as possible, he said.
There is a chance the process could clear that hurdle this year, during the Hungarian EU presidency, Szijjarto said.
Those steps will need unanimous support from all member states, Szijjártó said, adding:”In my experience, some member states … proclaim one thing publicly but say another behind closed doors when it comes to enlargement.”
Hungary, meanwhile, is ready to train 50 Bosnia-Herzegovina public administration officials, “because [EU] integration is a complicated matter requiring experts.”
Szijjártó expressed his sympathies with the victims of recent floods in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and noted that Hungary had sent emergency aid worth 25 million forints to the disaster-hit area, including water pumps and tents.
“But we know the problem is bigger than that, and infrastructure has been badly damaged, so I assured Mr Prime Minister that Hungary is ready to help with the reconstruction as soon as they have the plans and schedule ready,” Szijjártó said.