Hans Niessl and Csaba Hende Discuss Cross-Border Cooperation in Szombathely

According to the Minister, it was stated that both partners consider it equally important to
build a railway line between Szombathely and Oberwart (Felsőőr), and they support the
further construction of the S31 motorway so that a four-lane road can connect Oberpullendorf
(Felsőpulya) with Kőszeg by 2014. To achieve this, the Hungarians need to find a proper
border crossing point. Minister Hende noted that their discussion served as preparation for
the meeting between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Hans Niessl, which is expected to take
place soon.

The Minister of Defence said that demolishing the buildings of the former border crossing
points could be a joint Hungarian–Austrian program, because they slow down the flow of
traffic across the border. Furthermore, this would be important for emotional reasons as it
would increase the sense of freedom and belonging.

At the press conference, Hans Niessl said that he wishes to discuss with Prime Minister
Viktor Orbán the opportunities of cooperation until 2020. Hungary and Austria have already
been closely cooperating in fields like the development of nature conservation areas and
tourism, the protection of the world heritage as well as the development of economic and
cultural relations.

According to a written summary of the meeting, during the discussions between Csaba Hende
and Hans Niessl the idea was also raised of establishing 32 new border crossing points besides
the 32 already existing ones in agreement with Austria. The two countries would like to
strengthen cross-border mobility by developing railway passenger information and cycling
tourism, and they would increase cooperation and implement joint projects in the field of
disaster management as well.

(Our pictures were taken at the press conference held on Friday in Szombathely.)

Photos: Gábor Galovtsik