Hungary: Premier Matovic More Than Welcome to Visit Budapest

Bratislava, June 2 (TASR-correspondent) - Hungary cordially awaits the visit by Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic (OLaNO), Hungarian chief of diplomacy Peter Szijjarto stated during the official meeting with his Slovak counterpart Ivan Korcok in Budapest on Tuesday. "The Slovak Prime Minister is due to visit the Czech Republic, according to our information this is slated to happen as soon as tomorrow (June 3). Then, we'd be happy to welcome him in Budapest because our strategic ties at the top level are a reason enough to have the new Prime Minister meet his Hungarian counterpart. They already spoke together several times but only via telephone, due to the existing epidemiological crisis," claimed Szijjarto. Korcok replied that he will convey the invitation to the Slovak Prime Minister and confirmed that the Slovak delegation is leaving for Prague on Wednesday (June 3). "I'm confident that the visit of the Slovak Premier to Budapest will take place in the near future," he added. The Slovak minister underlined the importance of planned Hungarian-Slovak infrastructure projects. "With the energy infrastructure, such as the building of the gas corridor, for instance, we're not only bolstering our own security but also contributing significantly to the energy security of the whole of Europe," he pointed out. Korcok praised the efficient communication at the level of ministers and premiers between the two countries regarding the easing of restrictive measures against the novel coronavirus. "We're capable of loosening the restrictions on our borders gradually and in lockstep, while keeping the most important aim in mind - the health and safety of our people," he added. Korcok also confirmed that the new Slovak Government will draft legislation on ethnic minorities. Szijjarto voiced his hope that the upcoming years in foreign affairs will revolve around new connections and successful projects to the benefit of both Hungary and Slovakia as well as ethnic Hungarians living in Slovakia and ethnic Slovaks in Hungary. "The new bridge to connect Komarom and Komarno will be completed by the end of summer. By 2022, we are to open six new border crossings, including three new bridges over the Ipel River. By 2024, we will considerably boost the capacities of our gas interconnectors and also connect our high voltage grids by the end of this year," said the Hungarian minister. mf/mcs/am