According to the ministry’s statement, at the joint press conference held with his Maltese counterpart, the minister first congratulated Ian Borg on his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and thanked him for his first official visit.
He pointed out that in the midst of the current extraordinary security and economic challenges, dialogue and continuous consultation are of particular importance, which is why the search for common points was the focus, and it was possible to find them, mainly in the fact that both countries are against the re-blocking of the world processes leading to
“We Hungarians are doing this based on our own experience, because Hungary had the best opportunity for development and economic growth until now when East and West were able to cooperate with each other in a civilized and cultured way”
he stated.
“Since both countries are among the most open economies in the world, and both countries are at the center between East and West, Malta between North and South, it is in the interest of both of us that the coming years and decades are not about blocking, but about connections”
he added.
He then underlined that our country has a clear interest in the undisturbed and free operation of the world economy and world trade.
Péter Szijjártó stated that economic growth requires calm, stability, and predictability, and these only exist in peace.
“War creates a bad environment and practically makes stable economic operation and economic growth impossible. That is why it is of great importance that today the foreign ministers of two countries that do not supply weapons to the war taking place next door were able to meet.
he reminded.
After that, he welcomed that Malta provided continuous support during this year’s consecutive Hungarian EU presidency, and that there is agreement between the two countries on important matters.
“We both consider it important to take decisive and effective action against illegal migration. We both consider it important to improve European competitiveness, we consider it important to expand the European Union in the direction of the Western Balkans, and we consider it important the efficient and flawless operation of the Schengen area,” he listed.
The minister also touched on the fact that not only Hungary, but also Malta currently plays an important international role, as it holds the presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which is the last remaining regional platform for East-West dialogue.
“Therefore, in the case of the OSCE, and also in the case of East-West dialogue and cooperation in general, the most important goal is to ensure that it continues to exist in the future, and that we do not give way to those efforts that want to kill the East-West dialogue, the East -Western cooperation”
he said.
He then pointed out that Malta was able to ensure that the OSCE could continue to function as a platform for East-West dialogue in recent months.
“We think that if East-West cooperation, East-West dialogue becomes impossible, it will represent an extraordinary burden for the economies. Economies will not be able to grow properly, and we practically give up hope for long-term peace as well.”
he thought.
Finally, he also touched upon the tourism cooperation between the two countries, and informed that the number of Hungarians visiting Malta increased by 40 percent this year, while at the same time, 50 percent more Maltese traveled to our country than last year.
**How does the strengthening of ties between Hungary and Malta, two nations with distinct geographic and political contexts, contribute to broader European stability and unity in the face of current global challenges?**
## World Today News Interview: Hungary and Malta Strengthen Ties Amidst Global Challenges
**Guests:**
* **Ambassador [Name],** Maltese Ambassador to [Country/International Organization]
* **Dr. [Name],** Hungarian Foreign Policy Expert
**Interviewer:** Good evening and welcome to World Today News. Tonight, we’re dissecting the recent meeting between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and his Maltese counterpart, focused on strengthening ties amidst a complex global landscape. We are fortunate to have with us Ambassador [Name] and Dr. [Name] to shed light on the key takeaways from this significant diplomatic exchange.
**Theme 1: Dialogue and Cooperation in a Fragmented World**
**Interviewer:** Minister Szijjártó emphasized the crucial need for dialog and continuous consultation amidst current security and economic challenges. Ambassador [Name], how do you perceive the significance of this meeting in fostering dialog between Hungary and Malta, particularly given their geographic and political positions?
**Ambassador [Name]:**
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Name], Minister Szijjártó highlighted the shared interest of both countries in avoiding a “re-blocking” of global processes. Could you elaborate on what this re-blocking might entail and the potential implications for international cooperation and economic development?
**Dr. [Name]:**
**Theme 2: Economic Growth and Peace**
**Interviewer:** Minister Szijjártó underscored the importance of a stable and peaceful environment for economic growth. He also noted that both Hungary and Malta are firmly against supplying weapons to the ongoing conflict. Ambassador [Name], how does Malta view the role of diplomacy and dialog in mitigating conflicts and fostering economic stability?
**Ambassador [Name]:**
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Name], Minister Szijjártó expressed concern about the negative impact of war on economic growth. In your expert opinion, what specific steps can countries like Hungary and Malta take to promote economic development while navigating the challenges of geopolitical tensions?
**Theme 3: Shared Commitments and Regional Cooperation**
**Interviewer:** The article mentions several shared commitments between Hungary and Malta, including addressing illegal migration, improving European competitiveness, and the expansion of the European Union. Ambassador [Name], could you elaborate on the specific initiatives both countries are pursuing in these areas and the potential for joint action?
**Ambassador [Name]:**
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Name], Minister Szijjártó highlighted Malta’s crucial role as the current President of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). What is the significance of the OSCE as a platform for East-West dialog, and how can Hungary and Malta contribute to its effectiveness in the current geopolitical climate?
**Dr. [Name]:**
**Theme 4: Looking ahead: Strengthening Bilateral Ties**
**Interviewer:** Minister Szijjártó also cited the growth in tourism between Hungary and Malta. Ambassador [Name], how does this burgeoning cultural exchange contribute to the overall rapport between the two nations? What other areas do you see as having potential for deeper cooperation in the future?
**Ambassador [Name]:**
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable perspectives. This insightful discussion underscores the critical role dialog and cooperation play in addressing global challenges and fostering stronger international ties.
