“Hungary and the Netherlands view the world from different perspectives, but despite the differing methods of approach, if we remain on foundations of mutual respect, we can discuss many things”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said on 11 March in Budapest following a meeting with his Dutch counterpart.
At the joint press conference following the meeting, Mr. Szijjártó highlighted: “Hungary shows and expects respect, and expects others to respect the fact that only the Hungarians can decide on the future of the country”. “With respect to Hungarian-Dutch relations, we are putting economic and defence successes at the forefront, and the calm discussions are contributing to cooperation being to a much greater extent about success stories than disputes”, he said.
“Holland is an important strategic ally within the framework of the EU and NATO; our cooperation is manifold, and includes both successes and major disputes. With regard to European political issues, there are currently probably more with relation to which we do not agree than do”, the Minister explained. “However, we can always count on each other with respect to defence cooperation, and there is currently a 22-man Dutch contingent serving in Pápa”, he said. “Bilateral trade is also developing well. Holland is Hungary’s seventh most important trade partner. 650 Dutch enterprises provide jobs for 15 thousand people in Hungary”, the Minister added.
From among the issues on which the two parties do not agree, the Hungarian Foreign Minister mentioned migration, explaining that in his view the disagreement could be the result of the role played by immigrants in Dutch society. “But Hungary has never been an immigrant country and never will be”, he declared. “This could explain why the two countries voted differently on the UN Global Compact for Migration”, he noted.
With relation to the cancelled visit to Dutch parliament, Mr. Szijjártó told the press: “We are open to dialogue providing it isn’t about being spoken down to and given a lesson, and if decisions are preceded by dialogue”. With relation to the EU’s next multiannual financial framework, he said: “As a net contributor, the Netherlands is in a different position, but Hungary regards EU funding as something for which ‘we are also performing’, since we have opened our market to Western companies”.
He also declared that Hungary is a nation of freedom fighters and will not accept any political endeavour that would take away people’s democratic rights.
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok stressed: “Bilateral relations are strong, Hungary and the Netherlands are allies in NATO and partners within the EU, in addition to which our economic relations are close”. “As partners, we are also able to discuss our differences of opinion and share our concerns”, he said.
“It is perfectly normal for us not to agree on everything, but respectful and open dialogue is required”, he added. “Although the two countries do not agree on everything, we are putting our common interests first”, he said. “A strong EU based on cooperation is more important to all member states that ever before, and cooperation is vital with respect to the future of Hungary, the Netherlands and the EU alike”, the Dutch Foreign Minister explained.
(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI. Photo: Márton Mónus/ MTI)
