“Without this a positive change on the issue is inconceivable,” he said. The minister said that Hungary welcomed the initiative to continue the strategic debate on how relations should be conducted between Europe and Russia, and he emphasised that the two sides depend on one another to a significant degree.

He said that both the EU and Russia would lose as a result of any deterioration in relations.

Settling relations with Russia, however, would restore and improve Europe’s competitiveness, he added. In a bilateral meeting with Federica Mogherini, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, he said that Hungary places great significance on the EU moving in lockstep.

This unity endows measures with great value, he said. In the area of energy affairs, continuous consultations with Russia are indispensable, he said. Hungary must look for new opportunities in light of Russia’s abandonment of the South Stream gas pipeline, Szijjártó said. “Our interest is in diversification,” he said.

“That means that gas from more sources should arrive in central Europe by the greatest number of possible routes.” The issue of terrorism was also on the agenda of the council’s meeting.

Szijjártó said taking action against the transit of jihadists from EU counties was an important aspect of combating radicalisation. He noted that recruitment of foreign fighters in the Western Balkans is a big challenge for the whole of the region, and he urged greater cooperation within the EU on this matter.

The minister mentioned that Hungary is among 14 member states that have the appropriate infrastructure in place for handling the data of air travellers, and Budapest supports the earliest possible agreement introducing relevant EU regulation.

Source www.hungarymatters.hu

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