Péter Szijjártó: Peace and stability of Bosnia-Hercegovina are in Hungary’s fundamental security interests

Bosnia-Hercegovina “is situated merely 100 kilometers from Hungary, and so all possible changes in a negative direction pose a security risk to Central Europe and especially for the closest Central European country, Hungary", he said.

While in Sarajevo, Mr. Szijjártó met with Bosnian Foreign Minister Igor Crnadak, Prime Minister Denis Zvizdic and incumbent President of the tripartite presidency Bakir Izetbegovic. Furthermore, he visited the European Union’s military mission in Bosnia, where more than160 Hungarian troops are also deployed. In connection with this, the Foreign Minister stressed that Hungary has sent the second largest military contingent from among the EU member states, which proves that Hungary doesn’t just talk about the importance of peace and stability in Bosnia, but also takes action to ensure it. He also pointed out that an agreement has been reached about filling with a Hungarian official the recently vacated post of political advisor to the commander of the military mission.

The minister stressed that Hungary supports Bosnia-Hercegovina’s integration into three important international organizations, namely NATO, the European Union and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Speaking about the details, Mr. Szijjártó said the NATO membership action plan (MAP) for Bosnia-Hercegovina should be put into action at the Warsaw Summit in July. He added that Hungary is supporting the start of negotiations at the earliest over the country’s accession to the European Union and expects the Slovak EU presidency in July to launch the talks during the summer.

Photo: Zsolt Burger (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)