„The war in Ukraine it must be resolved by diplomacy, not by sending European or NATO forces”. The presidents of Hungary and Bulgaria united around this opinion. Rumen Radev is visiting Budapest, and this morning he also met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, bTV reported.
The development of the war in Ukraine and the risks to the security of Europe – these were the main topics for President Rumen Radev and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. For both, the solution is an immediate cessation of hostilities and a resolution of the conflict through the means of diplomacy.
Their conversation comes against the background of Viktor Orbán saying that Hungary is considering re-evaluating its NATO membership because it does not accept missions outside member states, referring to Ukraine.
Rumen Radev also had a conversation with Hungarian President Tamas Shuyok. He was received with honors at the Presidential Palace in Budapest.
The two presidents are also of the same opinion - the conflict in Ukraine cannot be resolved by sending troops. “We denounce Russia's aggression against Ukraine and are convinced that a solution must be found as soon as possible, but not by sending NATO troops,” said Radev.
„We are both concerned about the possibility of the escalation of the Ukrainian-Russian war and categorically reject proposals to send European or allied troops to Ukraine,”, adds the Hungarian president.
Following tensions over the introduction and subsequent cancellation of transit charges, Hungary today said it is relying on security and predictability. “Bulgaria plays a key role in the transit of Russian natural gas supplies to Hungary. "The role of Bulgaria can be strengthened through imports from Azerbaijan and Turkey," commented Shuyok.
„Bulgaria will continue to be a key partner. What Bulgaria is doing with the expansion of corridors is also working for Hungary.
From July 1, Hungary assumes the presidency of the Council of the EU and has already announced that the accession of the countries of the Western Balkans to the union will be a priority. “Joining can't wait any longer. Hungary remains firmly committed to the full accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen. We welcome the Schengen air agreement, but we don't think it's enough," commented the Hungarian president.
Dozens of Hungarian police officers are now helping in Bulgaria to protect the EU's external border with Turkey, the Hungarian president also said.
According to data from the census in Hungary in 2022, Bulgarians number 3,770 people, BTA reminds.
According to the latest data, the Bulgarian community in Hungary is 6,300 people. The Bulgarian minority was recognized in 1993 as one of the 13 national minorities and has its own representative in the National Assembly of Hungary.
In addition to the Bulgarian church and school in Budapest, the two presidents participated in the opening and consecration of a Bulgarian cultural and educational center, built jointly with Bulgarian and Hungarian funds.
Since 2016, by decision of the National Assembly, October 19 has been celebrated as Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship Day.