The ministry has informed the North Korean embassy in a verbal note that MTI’s December 16 coverage duly reflected the minister’s views. Speaking of his visit, Szijjártó told MTI that next to the Islamic State terrorist organisation the largest global threat is currently posed by the North Korean dictator’s plans to develop nuclear weapons.

“North Korea is headed by a mad communist dictator who poses a threat to the whole world” because he is making every effort to develop nuclear weapons, Szijjártó said, adding that just this year 24 missile tests had been carried out in that country.

The foreign ministry’s statement on Thursday said that Hungary has “intense and bitter historical experience” concerning the atrocities committed by communist leaders and it is aware of the situation of North Korean citizens. Hungary is deeply worried about the oppressive political regime, which distresses the lives of millions of people, it said.

“Hungary fully condemns and expresses its deepest concerns over the nuclear programme of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which not only threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula but the stability of the region as a whole,” the ministry said.

As an EU member state, Hungary urges new, stricter sanctions and the full implementation of the current ones so that the situation should become unbearable for the oppressive North Korean regime, it said.

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

MTI photo: KKM