All attempts to destabilise Turkey must be rejected, the minister said. Hungary accordingly condemned the attempted coup mounted on July 15, he said, adding that anyone who attacks Turkey’s stability is attacking European security.

Foreign criticism is especially damaging to those uncovering those responsible for the attempt to take over power in Turkey, Szijjártó said.

A military coup is “a serious matter, and requires a serious response,” he said, adding that respect must be maintained for the democratically elected leader and the government’s response to events. “Friends who are in trouble are friends notwithstanding, and we must stand up for them,” he said.

Relations must be good, and not only because of the agreement over refugees, the fight against the Islamic State terrorist organisation and NATO obligations, Szijjártó said.

The minister outlined three reasons why Turkey plays a determining role in the security of Europe: the issue of migration, resolving the war in Syria and the fight against terrorism.

The Hungarian authorities are thoroughly investigating whether there are any organisations operating in Hungary that pose a threat to the stability of Turkey, or whether there are any movements that cooperate with any such organisation, he said.

If so then Hungary will take the necessary steps to guarantee its own security as well as that of Europe and Turkey, he added.

Earlier in August, commenting on Turkey’s request to close a school in Budapest in connection with the attempted coup related accusations against Fethullah Gulen, János Lázár, the government office chief, said that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had instructed the foreign and interior ministries to examine the request.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: KKM/Szabó Árpád