There is a full understanding between the Hungarian and the Slovak foreign minister that the relations between the two countries are balanced, and that we may look forward to a future which is even more favourable than the present cooperation within the framework of the EU and, within that, in the context of the Visegrád co-operation – declared Slovak Foreign Minister Eduard Kukan after talks with his Hungarian colleague Ferenc Somogyi. The ministers considered that the Hungarian-Slovak Basic Treaty, signed ten years ago, is an important basis for the dialogue developed between the two countries, based on the operation of the founded eleven mixed committees, the activity of which covers practically all areas. They signalled: in spite of the considerable intermission, the delegations of the mixed committee for minority affairs would sit to the table within a few days in Budapest. At their joint press conference, both Kukan and Somogyi considered it possible in principle to fulfil the expectation of the Party of Hungarian Coalition (member of the Slovak government), according to which it would be fine if both governments supported the only Hungarian higher education institution in Slovakia, The Selye János University in Komárom/Komarno, in a way that the parties would also stipulate this in an intergovernmental agreement. “If the Hungarian party elaborates the relevant proposal, we will welcome this and, as a proposal aimed to help, we will naturally consider this” – said Kukan. Ferenc Somogyi and Béla Bugár, President of the Party of Hungarian Coalition, also touched upon the reconstruction of the bridges on the Ipoly River during their talks. Bratislava supports this from budgetary sources, and it would be fortunate if Budapest would also follow suit in this – phrased Bugár. “Hungary is interested in the development of infrastructural relations between the two countries, which involves not only the construction of bridges, but also the linking of motorways, the modernisation of the railway network and, with regard to the approaching Schengen period, even means the establishment of simple border crossing points” – emphasised Somogyi in his answer. Answering the Hungarian Press Agency’s (MTI) question on an eventual official bilateral meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány and Slovak Prime Minister Mikulás Dzurinda, the Hungarian foreign minister answered: “At our talks, we were pleased to acknowledge several times that high level political relations are quite frequent between our countries, and we agreed that it is the intention of both parties to fully accomplish this system of political relations. The two prime ministers often meet at multilateral meetings, therefore the lack of a summit is not felt in the bilateral relations, this could be primarily of symbolic importance.” Eduard Kukan said: “Yes, the outlines of a summit between the prime ministers are being formed, we are only waiting for a suitable date.” Answering a journalist’s question, Ferenc Somogyi said: the Hungarian government continues to consider the Hungarian Permanent Meeting as an important forum, and “will convoke it as soon as the conditions will be set for that. We are looking for solutions on a professional basis, and it is just the task of the talks between the experts to agree in a package of conclusions, which reflect the real situation; to identify the points, where the views of the Hungarian government and the organisations of Hungarians abroad coincide; and to specify the steps needing further conciliation.” The two foreign ministers agreed that Budapest and Bratislava are both committed supporters of the affair of settlement in the Western Balkans, Kosovo, and that the parties approach the question with a full identity of views. “The settlement should contribute to the stability of the region, and not undermine it” – said Somogyi. He added: Budapest and Bratislava are both aware of the fact that neither of them would be the central figure of the process of settlement, “but, as member states of the European Union and NATO, we intend to live with this opportunity, and meet the responsibility, which is the responsibility of all countries interested in the settlement.” Ferenc Somogyi was also received during the one day official visit by Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic, ans Slovak Prime Minister Mikulás Dzurinda. At both meetings, the parties acknowledged that the relations between the two countries were settled. 8 November 2005 |