Hungarian speaker discuses economic cooperation and minority politics
Ljubljana, 13 March - Hungary's parliamentary Speaker Laszlo Köver visited Slovenia on Monday to meet his Slovenian counterpart Urška Klakočar Zupančič. At a press conference after the meeting the pair praised the excellent relations between the two countries, their exemplary minority policies, and discussed options for strengthening the economic cooperation.
Ljubljana
Hungary's parliamentary Speaker Laszlo Köver received by Slovenian counterpart Urška Klakočar Zupančič.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Ljubljana
The Hungarian and Slovenian presidents of parliament, Laszlo Köver and Urška Klakočar Zupančič, during Köver's March visit to Slovenia.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
File photo
Ljubljana
Hungary's parliamentary Speaker Laszlo Köver received by Slovenian counterpart Urška Klakočar Zupančič.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Ljubljana
Hungary's parliamentary Speaker Laszlo Köver received by Slovenian counterpart Urška Klakočar Zupančič.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Klakočar Zupančič expressed the wish for stronger economic cooperation, especially more opportunities for Slovenian investors in the region populated by the Slovenian minority. Köver assured her there are no hurdles for potential Slovenian investments in Hungary.
The status of both the Slovenian minority in Hungary and the Hungarian minority in Slovenia are "excellent or even exemplary", the speakers found. Klakočar Zupančič noted that the minorities should be able to use their mother tongues in more areas of public life and that representatives of minorities in the parliaments could help shape the countries' policies.
The speakers exchanged views on the global political and security situation and topical EU challenges. Both countries wish for a quick end to the war in Ukraine, the pair said.
The pair agreed on the importance of support for the countries of the West Balkans in their process to join the EU, which according to Köver is important in the context of the central Europe that both Slovenia and Hungary are part of.
The speakers will meet with representatives of the minorities in May in the Porabje region in what will be a continuation of Monday's meeting and another opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations.
This afternoon, Klakočar Zupančič and Köver will attend the unveiling of a monument to Hungarian poet Sandor Petofi at La Ciotat Park in Kranj.
As part of his visit the Hungarian speaker will also meet with President Nataša Pirc Musar and Marko Lotrič, the president of the upper chamber of parliament.