A new chapter has opened in Hungarian-Serbian relations

We have arrived at a new chapter in the Golden Age of Hungarian-Serbian relations – said President of Hungary Katalin Novák in Palics on Tuesday, at the press conference held on the occasion of the establishment of the Hungarian-Serbian Cooperation Council.

Katalin Novák highlighted: the establishment of a Strategic Cooperation Council by Hungary and Serbia shows that the decisions adopted are not tactical, but strategic in their nature, as there is a commitment to lay the foundations for a long-term friendship, a long-term cooperation between Hungary and Serbia.

The President of Hungary explained: the ministers negotiated in 12 workgroups, and they are expected to produce tangible results as well as fill the 12 agreements signed by the two countries on this occasion with content.

Of the topics discussed at the meeting on Tuesday, Katalin Novák highlighted the Russian-Ukrainian war, the questions associated with the stability of the Western Balkans, Serbia’s EU accession, and demography. 
The Hungarian Head of State explained: the relations between Hungary and Serbia are marked by mutual respect between two freedom-loving and sovereign nations. 

On the war in Ukraine, the President emphasized that the goal is to achieve a ceasefire and a peace agreement as soon as possible. She underlined that all this must not distract attention from the Western Balkans, the stability of which is key to the stability of Europe. As she said: even there, peace and security are needed. 
As her second topic, President Novák focused on Serbia’s accession to the European Union. She recalled that Serbia submitted her application to the EU in 2009, and accession talks have been going on since 2014. Katalin Novák stressed: during this period, Serbia has proved in multiple ways that it belongs to Europe: this is unquestionable for Hungary, and that’s why Hungary considers it a priority for Serbia to accede to the European Union also in legal terms. 

On Serbia’s accession to the Schengen area, the President pointed out that they would like to facilitate border crossing between the two countries already before accession takes place. 

Katalin Novák also spoke about the decision to intensify Hungarian-Serbian cooperation in fighting the demographic winter. She added: Hungary is prepared to hand over its experiences to Serbia in this field as well. Responding to a question from a journalist, she explained that on 14-15 September this year, Hungary will host the Budapest Demographic Summit again, which is one of the largest international meetings of pro-family forces, where participants are seeking answers to demographic challenges. She then went on to add: President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić also confirmed his intention to attend. 

Katalin Novák expressed her sympathies in connection with the recent shootings and floods in Serbia as well as concerning the events in Kosovo.