Katalin Novák received Romanian head of state Klaus Johannis
At the bilateral meeting, Klaus Johannis and Katalin Novák discussed, among other topics, the situation of national minorities, including the Hungarian minority in Transylvania.
At the press conference following the meeting, the President of Hungary stated that the situation of national minorities was important for both of them, and for us Hungarians, the fate, present, and future of the Hungarian community in Transylvania holds particular significance. She went on to add: “That's why we emphasized this topic, but we also discussed questions related to Hungary's upcoming rotating presidency of the European Union next year and the economic, energy, and transportation relations between the two countries”.
The Hungarian President described the meeting as of historic significance, as it marks the first official visit of a Romanian president to Hungary in fourteen years. She emphasized that the goal is to establish a pragmatic relationship between Hungary and Romania, befitting the importance of the two neighbouring countries to each other.
Katalin Novák stated that the position of both countries is clear regarding the war in Ukraine: they condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine and strive to assist Ukraine in its defence. Hungary, in particular, provides all humanitarian aid to those fleeing Ukraine.
She added that both countries have significant national minorities living in Ukraine. Therefore, they count on cooperation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to address legal violations against minorities in Ukraine, ensuring that every effort is made to uphold minority rights.
On the Israeli war, she said that in this tragic situation, Hungary has assured the State of Israel of its sympathy and support. Katalin Novák added that she would attend the service organised by the Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (Mazsihisz) and the Jewish Religious Community of Budapest.
Katalin Novák said that they also agree with the Romanian President that supporting the Hungarian minority contributes to the development of Romania. Therefore, it is in their mutual interest to reduce tensions rather than escalate them.
Romania's place is within the Schengen area, she stressed. It is unfair that it has not yet been able to join, and Hungary will continue to give Romania its strong support. There is no need for a Schengen border between Romania and Hungary, she emphasised.
Regarding Hungary's presidency of the European Union, she mentioned that they aim to achieve results in the accession process of the Western Balkan countries. Another highlighted topic during Hungary’s EU presidency will be addressing the issue of the demographic crisis.
Katalin Novák referred to the economic relations between the two countries as flourishing. She pointed out that imports from Romania to Hungary have more than doubled, and the number of border crossing points has increased to fourteen. However, she added that there are still many opportunities for further economic cooperation.
Regarding energy, she emphasized: Hungary is working to diversify its access to energy sources, and, in this regard, it counts on Romania in particular. She stated that they agree with the Romanian President on the need to strengthen cooperation in this area.
In response to a question, she said that Hungary condemns the terrorist attack against the State of Israel and is doing its utmost to prevent the escalation of the conflict.
She added that wars are breaking out around the world with unprecedented intensity. Leaders in many countries are working to prevent this from leading to a third world war. Wise and sensible decisions must be taken, she emphasised.