Instability in Africa could trigger new waves of migration, minister says

Hungary has a vested interest in having security and stability in Africa, and the government works together with other governments firmly committed against terrorism, Szijjarto said, noting the support of “Kenya and Defence Minister Aden Duale, as well as the United Nations and Special Envoy Hanna Serwaa Tetteh”.

“The goal is to achieve peace in as many African countries as possible and prevent further waves of migration,” he said.

He said “the pressure of migration (on Hungary) is on the increase primarily due to armed conflicts spreading in the world, that is why the UN peace keeping missions are especially crucial in preventing new waves of migration.”

Hungary and Serbia share a challenge of “the migration situation along the Western Balkans route, where people smugglers operate in a military system and use weapons,” the minister said.

“We must be clear: illegal migration must be rejected,” he said, adding that he had discussed the subject with Serbian defence state secretary Nemanja Starovic, in Accra.

On another subject, Szijjarto said Hungary had excellent energy cooperation with Bangladesh, where “a similar nuclear plant is being constructed as in Hungary, only they are 7-8 years ahead”. Hungarian experts are in contact with their Bangladeshi colleagues because their experience “could be useful in the next phases of Hungary’s Paks project”, he added.

Szijjarto noted a record trade turnover with Bangladesh, adding that bilateral agreements on investment protection and the elimination of double taxation would soon be signed by representatives of the two countries.