Hungarian-Romanian relations must work and existing tensions must be reduced, but the most important thing is to be able to talk to each other - Hungarian President Katalin Novák spoke about this in Bucharest after a meeting with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. Both parties agreed that national minorities should prosper in their homeland. The last time there was an official presidential-level meeting in the Romanian capital was twelve years ago, in 2010. Origo's correspondent in Bucharest broadcasted the briefing of the two heads of state live.

A Hungarian head of state has not been to Bucharest for 12 years, and now a new chapter opens in Hungarian-Romanian relations, said Katalin Novák at Wednesday's briefing in Bucharest.

THE HUNGARIAN HEAD OF STATE INVITED IOHHANNIS TO BUDAPEST AND THE ROMANIAN HEAD OF STATE WILL SOON LIVE WITH IT -

he added. Hungarian-Romanian relations must work and existing tensions must be reduced, but the most important thing is that we can talk to each other, said Katalin Novák.

The Hungarian head of state also spoke about the fact that both Hungarian and Romanian people provide very significant humanitarian aid to the refugees in Ukraine. The two countries are dependent on each other in this as well. We are happy to see any initiative that makes Hungary independent of Russian energy sources, and in this Hungary also counts on Romania, said Katalin Novák. We can only support decisions that do not painfully affect the Hungarian people in EU energy matters.

Katalin Novák also spoke about the fact that it is in Europe's interest that Hungary and Poland receive the EU funds they are entitled to, and that Europe will also become stronger.

IT FULLY SUPPORTS HUNGARY ROMANIA'S SCHENGEN AREA MEMBERSHIP.

I hope that prosperity in the homeland will be ensured for Hungarians in the future as well, and there is agreement on this, he added. In response to a question, Katalin Novák said that the protection of Hungarian minorities is in the interest of both parties. The fact that RMDSZ is a member of the Romanian government is an important guarantee, he added. This is in the interest of both countries. Hungary's goal is to have enough electricity and gas in the winter months, and to have it at an affordable price, said Katalin Novák when asked. We will also protect Hungarian citizens in the future and guarantee that they will not live in a cold apartment, he added. We are also on the side of sovereignty during EU decisions, obligation is not the right tool - said the Hungarian head of state. The EU is going through a very difficult period, and this has never happened before - said Katalin Novák in response to another question. Our task is to amplify the EU's voice and increase its influence, he added.

Good joint decisions are needed. Katalin Novák emphasized that Romania and Hungary must do everything in order to make Europe's voice stronger, she added.

Klaus Iohannis spoke at Wednesday's briefing about the need for a positive dynamic in Hungarian and Romanian relations. According to the Romanian president, the adoption of the Romanian-Hungarian strategic partnership 20 years ago can be the basis for improving partnership relations.

"We reviewed all the important bilateral issues with the Hungarian first lady, and they must be based on the previously agreed documents. A one-sided approach must be avoided, because it cannot lead to a solution," he added. Ethnically non-discriminatory investments are needed, Iohannis said. According to the Romanian president, the two countries should cooperate in terms of strategic partnership and basic agreements.

It is a great achievement that serious progress has been made in the field of bilateral trade.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, there is a need for a necessary and quick response from the Union regarding energy security. The energy dependence of the EU member states on Russia must be eliminated. Iohannis is confident that a joint decision will be reached regarding energy security.

We respect the rights of all national minorities in Romania, Iohannis said in response to a question. National minorities are represented in the parliament, he added.

"It is in our common interest to fully respect the rights of the Hungarian minority, and it would be good if they also used the Romanian language."

Those politicians who want to exacerbate ethnic differences do not serve the interests of minorities, said Iohannis. According to him, there are several artificially induced tensions in minority circles that can be easily remedied. In response to a question, Iohannis said that the problems in the entire education system are not specific to a certain language of education. Of course, there are problems in the Romanian school system, there are not enough teachers, or certain issues have been brought to justice.

We can guarantee every child in Romania that our goals are in good faith and of high quality, regardless of their mother tongue.

The energy crisis was caused by the Russian-Ukrainian war, and the Romanian government is doing everything to improve the situation, Iohannis said in response to another question. The focus is on the Romanian consumer. No one wants to sit in an office where you have to shiver, but where you can save, you should

Katalin Novák wrote on Wednesday morning:

"Heading to Bucharest. The neighborhood must work, pragmatic Romanian-Hungarian relations are needed, especially now. That is why I accepted the invitation of Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania.

The last time the Hungarian head of state paid an official visit to Bucharest was 12 years ago - our meeting gives us the opportunity to talk face-to-face about the most important issues affecting our nations.

In June, they met at the summit of the Eastern and Central European NATO member states, the so-called Bucharest Nine, and then held a bilateral, face-to-face meeting after the regional NATO summit.

Katalin Novák wrote about their last meeting in her Facebook post:

"WE STRIVE FOR MODERN AND PRAGMATIC RELATIONS AND WE WILL BOTH WORK TO ENSURE THAT THE HUNGARIANS OF TRANSYLVANIA ARE HAPPY IN THEIR HOMELAND".

Katalin Novák's first trip abroad after her inauguration was to Warsaw, after which she made a private visit to Transylvania in mid-May at the invitation of the Transylvanian Reformed Church District.

Source and full article: Origin

Featured image: AFP/MIHAI BARBU