On an official visit to Hungary: "Good neighbourly relations are of utmost importance."
Today, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, paid an official visit to Budapest at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Hungary, Katalin Novák. It is the first official visit of President Pirc Musar, and the second meeting with President Novák, with whom she met briefly at the memorial service in honour of late Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican in January this year.
Budapest, Hungary, 19 Apr 2023
News
President Pirc Musar began the official visit by laying a wreath on the memorial at Heroes’ Square. Following a reception with military honours, the Slovenian and Hungarian presidents had a long and friendly private conversation, followed by plenary talks between the delegations of the Republics of Slovenia and Hungary led by the two presidents.
In their conversation, presidents Pirc Musar and Novák confirmed good and friendly relations characterised by good neighbourly relations and extensive cooperation. The President of Slovenia expressed her satisfaction at the fact that the two countries maintain a regular political dialogue, and confirmed that it is in our best interest to cultivate deep and friendly relations with the neighbouring country of Hungary in the future. President Pirc Musar thanked the Hungarian President for her hospitality. "I highly value the warm welcome, Slovenian flags displayed in Budapest, yesterday's informal meeting, and honest conversation," said the president. She emphasised the importance of friendship between neighbouring countries, even if they do not always share the same view.
The two presidents expressed their satisfaction over the cooperation agreement signed in their presence by the directors of the National and University Library and the National Szechenyi Library. President Pirc Musar added that the signing is a significant step towards promoting an understanding of the heritage of nations and a culture of reading, which will further connect the citizens of both European countries and contribute to an even better understanding of each other. "The EU's frontiers are down, but we also need to bring people together through books and art," emphasised the president. "Books are the weapon I wish people would take up more often. Because books spread understanding, respect for culture and history and, of course, the authors of another nation," she added.
In their talks, the two presidents attached special importance to the bilateral relations between the neighbouring countries and, in this regard, to the situation of minorities on both sides of the border. President Pirc Musar emphasised the importance of mutual concern for the situation of minorities, which represent a bridge between the two countries. She said that she visited the Slovenians of Porabje yesterday, and welcomed the fact that the Slovenian national community considers the situation in Hungary to be improved. The president said that she appreciates the efforts aimed at improving their situation, while also highlighting that challenges still remain – the community needs assistance especially in efforts to reduce the level of economic migration. The President of the Republic attached the utmost importance to the planned implementation of programmes supporting the economic development of the Mura-Raba region, and to support for the modernisation of the teaching of the Slovenian language in Porabje.
The two presidents also spoke about economic and infrastructure projects requiring cross-border cooperation. In recent years, great progress has been made with regard to joint infrastructure projects. President Pirc Musar welcomed the fact that, in December 2022, the Cirkovce-Pince transmission line, which represents the first interstate connection between Slovenia and Hungary's transmission networks, started to operate regularly. She emphasised the importance of Luka Koper, which continues to serve as an important entry and exit point for many Hungarian companies, and briefly presented the project for the construction of the second track of the Divača–Koper line, which will further improve connectivity between the two countries. The interlocutors estimated that there are still many opportunities to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure and energy, which will benefit both countries.
The two presidents paid particular attention to the European perspective of Western Balkan countries, where Slovenia and Hungary will continue to cooperate closely. "We both want the region to join the EU at the earliest opportunity," said President Pirc Musar, thanking Hungary for its strong support in granting candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the important discussion topics was climate change and water diplomacy. President Pirc Musar expressed her sincere satisfaction that the two countries are united in their concern for drinking water, and for smooth cooperation in cross-border water management. At the recent UN Water Conference in New York, both Hungary and Slovenia defended the position that water and care for natural resources are central tasks of the global community. "Countries are facing conflicts, we are witnessing migration flows due to the lack of clean water" said the president, emphasising that Slovenia is an active supporter of the right to live in a clean environment. She said that climate and water safety are among the priorities of her presidency. The two presidents agreed to further close cooperation in raising awareness of the importance of preserving a clean environment, and within the network of special representatives for climate diplomacy.
"President Novák and I share the same opinion regarding the war in Ukraine – we call for the immediate establishment of a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter," said the president. Slovenia and Hungary both strongly condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine. They expressed their opposition to war as presidents of democratic countries, and as women and mothers who do not want innocents, especially children, to suffer the consequences of war. Moreover, she expressed her strong support and gratitude to Hungary, which is carrying out the largest humanitarian operation in its entire history, so far accepting 1.5 million refugees on its territory and facilitating their integration into society in various ways.
They also spoke about gender equality, in light of the fact that both are the first female presidents in the history of the countries they represent. They expressed the hope that they set an example for young girls in both countries.
The President of the Republic of Slovenia concluded the press conference by saying: "Good neighbourly relations are of utmost importance," and added that she will do everything in her power to ensure that relations between Slovenia and Hungary remain highly positive.
Subsequently during the visit, the Presidents of Slovenia and Hungary attended the opening of the exhibition of translations of Slovenian literary works into Hungarian in the National Szechenyi Library. In her speech at the opening of the exhibition, president Pirc Musar once again emphasised the importance of reading, which shapes us and broadens our horizons. According to the president, reading leads to mutual respect and contributes to an understanding of what unites and divides us. "Only reading enables us to grow as individuals, and as active citizens; only by reading do we broaden our horizons and behaviour and get to know foreign countries, people's destinies, their longings and their struggles." She is convinced that for good mutual relations it is essential to know the mentality, creativity, and culture of others, and that the translation of literature and essays plays an important role in this process. "Translations are like minorities, they are unique bridges that connect nations," said the President of the Republic. Moreover, she expressed her joy that a sister exhibition, a selection of translations of Hungarian literature into the Slovenian language, was opened today in the National and University Library in Ljubljana.
In the afternoon, the President of the Republic of Slovenia will also meet with the President of the Hungarian National Assembly, László Kövér, and the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán.
The official visit will end with a formal dinner in honour of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, and her husband dr. Aleš Musar hosted by the President of the Republic of Hungary, Katalin Novák, and her husband, István Veres.
