It seems that Hungarian-Italian relations are continuing to strengthen.
The Hungarian investment in the Port of Trieste and the EU integration of the Western Balkans were in focus of a meeting in Rome between Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Orban said on Facebook that there are few countries with which Hungary shares such deep historical, cultural, and economic ties as with Italy. Many Hungarians choose it as a travel destination, and “we are very familiar with its culture and cuisine,” she said. Even the history of the world-famous Illy coffee is a “shining example of the Hungarian-Italian connection,” as the brand was founded in Trieste by Ferenc Illy, who was born in Timisoara [in the Kingdom of Hungary at the time].
“This is precisely why it is important that the political and economic relations between Hungary and Italy also reflect this closeness,” she said.
She added that during the meeting with Tajani, they discussed intensifying dialogue between the two governments and their respective ministers.
“There are still untapped opportunities in the fields of the economy, energy, defence policy, education, and culture,” she added.
“Other important topics included the Hungarian investment in the Port of Trieste, strengthening European competitiveness, and the merit-based EU integration of the Western Balkans,” she added.
She said she had invited her Italian counterpart to continue their joint work in Budapest this autumn.
The Hungarian foreign minister was in Rome to participate in the meeting of foreign ministers of the Friends of the Western Balkans group. This was the first time Hungary had been invited to this event, she said in an earlier post, adding that it is significant because the stability and European integration of the region are matters of direct security and economic interest for Hungary.
She also said that she would be meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric, and with Hungarian diplomats at the Hungarian embassies in Rome and the Vatican, and staff at the Hungarian Academy in Rome.
Later on Friday, Orban said in another Facebook post that stability in the Western Balkans would contribute to security in Europe, and the region’s integration could strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.
She said the Friends of the Western Balkans were working to bring six countries in the region closer to the EU. “The goal is to ensure that countries meeting the accession criteria are promoted based on their merits and become members of the EU,” she said.
“The Western Balkans is a crucial link between Hungary, South-Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Better rail an road ties, more secure energy supply and stronger economic cooperation directly promote Hungary’s interests and could offer new opportunities for Hungarian businesses,” the foreign minister said.
MTI
