The 151 firms have invested a combined 4.4 billion dollars in Hungary, he added. Concerning his talks, Szijjártó said that agreements had been signed with four further companies which would invest 26 billion forints (EUR 84m) in Hungary and create 400 jobs.

Two of the investors are active in the automotive sector, one in the food industry and another in the hotel industry, he said. He noted that in central Europe, Hungary is a top exporter to Japan with bilateral trade exceeding 2 billion dollars.

This is why the Hungarian government, in accordance with Japan, wants the EU to conclude a free trade agreement with the Asian country, Szijjártó added. He said that an agreement was also reached on strengthening cooperation between the Visegrad Four grouping and Japan, a priority for Hungary during its V4 presidency starting in July.

Current political issues were also discussed, Szijjártó said, adding that the Hungarian and Japanese side both resolutely condemn North Korea’s recent ballistic missile test which fundamentally threatens regional security.

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

MTI photo