German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar pledged to strengthen relations between their countries during their talks in Berlin, announcing plans for closer cooperation in energy, defense and trade.
Merz described the meeting, which was attended by several ministers from both governments, as part of a new beginning in relations between Germany and Hungary.
“German and Hungarian histories are closely linked,” Merz said, adding that he wanted to use the momentum of the new Hungarian government to revive bilateral relations.
Magyar stressed the importance of his visit which will take place around November 9, the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
“This is a very important day in the life of the German people,” Magyar said, adding that Hungary was proud of the role it played in these historic events.
In August 1989, hundreds of East Germans fled to Austria during the pan-European picnic on the Hungarian border. Hungary then opened its border to East German refugees in September, allowing tens of thousands to flee to the West and helping to hasten the collapse of communist rule in East Germany.
Addressing economic relations, Merz said Germany was Hungary’s largest trading partner and welcomed what he called positive signals from Budapest regarding improving conditions for German businesses.
Merz also offered to help Hungary reduce its dependence on Russian energy imports by giving it access to German liquefied natural gas terminal capacity and sharing expertise in renewable energy.
“The stars are very favorable,” Magyar said, referring to the prospects of strengthening the already close economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Magyar welcomed the offer but stressed that pricing would be crucial.
Gn world
