Katalin Novák held negotiations with the President of the Republic Borut Pahor in Slovenia. At the meeting, the Hungarian head of state praised the developing economic relations between the two countries, emphasizing the stronger cooperation than before in the area of infrastructure development.
The Mura and Rába regions, located on both sides of the border, are starting to function more and more as a joint economic region. In order to facilitate this, the two governments will support the economic development of the region with 5 million euros per year over a 5-year period - he noted, adding that the two countries also have close cooperation in the fields of education, culture, heritage protection and science.
Katalin Novák thanked Slovenia for the way the country treats the local Hungarian minority. In the light of the war in Ukraine, the relationship with the neighbors has been revalued. And until it is appreciated, if a neighboring country protects the Hungarian minority, it helps preserve its culture and linguistic identity, he pointed out.
Hungarians can live in peace here, they can preserve their traditions and their mother tongue, they can contribute to the development of Slovenia in such a way that they do not have to give up their Hungarianness even for a moment - he said about the situation of the Hungarians in Slovenia, adding that all this is also true for the Slovenian minority in Hungary.
In connection with the war in Ukraine, the President of the Hungarian Republic emphasized that Europe must remain united in its response to the war. However, the consequences of the decisions must be looked at and acted upon. Decisions must be made that primarily hurt the aggressor Russia, he warned.
According to Katalin Novák, many challenges arise from the war - the energy situation, rising prices, inflation and migration pressure - which the entire region is facing. Stability is needed to deal with challenges, he noted.
Borut Pahor thanked the Hungarian head of state for visiting Slovenia on his first official trip to a neighboring country.
We live in very complex geopolitical times, so we need friends, he said, adding: you don't have to share the same position on everything, but you have to strive for understanding and mutual respect.
In response to a journalist's question, Katalin Novák said: peace and justice are not opposed to each other, but peace and war. We stand for peace and justice. He emphasized that the Hungarians want peace as soon as possible.
Borut Pahor added: Russia attacked its neighbor in an illegitimate and immoral way, thereby also attacking common European values. We must come together to create a just peace, because peace will only last by ensuring the rights and expectations of the attacked country, he noted.
Regarding the planned demolition of the fence between Slovenia and Croatia, Borut Pahor said that, according to his government, there is currently no migration pressure that would justify keeping it. Katalin Novák explained in this regard: Hungary respects Slovenia's decision, but prefers to strengthen detention on its own border.
On Friday morning, Katalin Novák laid a wreath at the memorial to the victims of the Wars in Ljubljana, and after the meeting with Borut Pahor, she held talks with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and then Speaker of the House Urska Klakocar Zupancic.
On Friday afternoon in Lendván, the Hungarian head of state met with the representatives of the Slovenian national community of Rába region and the Hungarian Self-Government National Community of Muravidék (MMÖNK), and finally participated in the handing over of the community's new headquarters with Borut Pahor and Ferenc Horváth, president of the MMÖNK.
Source: MTI
Photos: Facebook/ Katalin Novák
