Opinions & Interviews

Szijjarto: It’s time to return to common sense in relations with Belarus

MINSK, 10 September (BelTA) – Now is the right time to return to a sensible and rational approach to developing bilateral relations with Belarus, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said at the expanded-format talks with Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov in Minsk on 10 September, BelTA has learned.

Peter Szijjarto expresses concern over regional security: “We see that the risk of military escalation has significantly increased recently.” He emphasized the need to return to a path of dialogue and cooperation.

“Now is the right time to return to a sensible and rational approach to building bilateral relations [with Belarus],” he said. “The fact that representatives from 17 Hungarian companies accompanied me to Minsk proves that a rational approach exists. There is a need and interest in developing cooperation based on common sense.”

For example, the delegation members include a mayor representing an opposition party in Hungary. During his stay in Belarus, he will sign a twinning agreement with one of the Belarusian cities. According to Peter Szijjarto, this demonstrates that common sense and rational approach are not linked to political considerations and ideological beliefs.

He stressed that Belarus and Hungary have established good relations not only at the level of foreign ministries but also between their states. Hungary, he noted, is ready to discuss measures to further strengthen and advance bilateral cooperation.

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