Both Hungary and France want peace in Ukraine, but the approaches of the two countries differ in how and through which tactical steps this could be achieved, Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, pointed out in Paris on Tuesday.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, after his meeting with his French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, the head of the ministry pointed out that Hungary, as a neighboring state, faces the dramatic effects of the armed conflict in Ukraine every day, which is why he was interested in an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations.

"The French position in this approach differs from ours, just as the position of almost all other European countries differs from ours, and there is an expectation that maybe there will be a better war situation from the Ukrainian point of view, when it will be better to conduct negotiations," he said. .

"We don't believe in that, do we

we think people's suffering must end now," he added.

Péter Szijjártó emphasized:

"What is outside of this, and what is not a European Union issue, but a strategic one, we almost all agree or use the same approach."

He brought up the issue of nuclear energy as the best example of this, emphasizing that the two countries fought together, and with success, for the European Union to recognize nuclear energy as sustainable.

He recalled that according to the contracts, a German-French consortium will deliver the control system for the new reactor blocks in Paks, and while Paris has already granted the necessary permits, Berlin has not yet.

He called it regrettable that certain ministers of the German government are blocking the participation of Siemens Energy in the Paks investment, and warned that

each country can compose its energy mix as dictated by its national interests.

"The Germans are now questioning this right of ours, and with this decision, this blocking, they are endangering our long-term energy supply security, which is unacceptable," he said.

He added that different plans are being developed with the managers of the French Framatome company in order to ensure that the project does not suffer a setback if the German government persists in this "illegal" position.

The minister also touched on the issue of African security and stated that

Both Budapest and Paris are of the opinion that the creation of Europe's security actually begins in Africa.

"The defense of Europe, action against terrorism, and the prevention of migration must begin in Africa. We are ready to take on a military role together with the French, supporting the French, in a joint mission with the French, as we have done so far in Mali," he declared.

He also highlighted that

French companies are now the fifth largest investor community in Hungary, and the value of bilateral trade exceeded ten billion euros last year, setting a record.

"Therefore, as far as practical cooperation is concerned, there is a strategic identity of interest, there is a cooperation based on mutual respect and mutual benefits between the two countries," he concluded.

Source and full article: Magyar Nemzet

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