BERLIN: Hungary will continue to seek cooperation and partnership in a number of areas with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said Janos Martonyi, the Hungarian Foreign Minister, in a statement released to Okaz/Saudi Gazette. Hungary took over the presidency of the European Union (EU) on Jan. 1, 2011. Martonyi stressed the importance of Hungarian and Saudi relations pointing to the signing of a general cooperation agreement between Riyadh and Budapest last October in the Kingdom. He said this was a constructive step and in step with Hungary's efforts to improve its historical relations with Arab countries. The Hungarian foreign minister stressed the Kingdom's important political role in the Middle East and at international and economic forums. He drew attention to the fact that Saudi Arabia has become an important partner in numerous areas. “The coming period will witness intensive and constructive cooperation in a number of fields including energy, industry, culture, the environment, tourism and bilateral investments between the two countries.” He also highlighted the relations between Hungary and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Hungary's intention to sign a free trade agreement between the EU and the GCC as soon as possible. About his country's political role in the EU presidency over the next six months, the Hungarian foreign minister said his country wanted to highlight the identity of Central Europe. Hungary has not yet joined the Euro Zone and has its own problems, but at the same time it is eager to support European efforts, including ensuring further partnerships with East European countries. Martonyi said that what is known as the “strategy of the countries of the Danube”, will ensure positive reaction for countries in Central Europe from Germany, Austria and the Balkan countries. He stressed that the Hungarian people will need clarification on European policy, “especially during this period when we have not come out of the global financial crisis”. Besides this, there are the fluctuations being witnessed by the Euro Zone. He said the Danube Project would enhance the growth of investment and job opportunities between European countries. The Danube Strategy includes Hungary, the states of Bavaria and Baden Furstenberg in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldavia and the Ukraine.
