Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijarto said on Wednesday in Chisinau that the Hungarian government will provide “all necessary assistance” to the Republic of Moldova in its efforts to join the European Union.

After negotiations with his Moldovan counterpart, Niku Popescu, Peter Szijharto spoke in favor of the earliest possible enlargement of the EU and closer cooperation with the countries of the Eastern Partnership program, reports the Hungarian MTI agency, quoted by Agerpres.

The head of Hungarian diplomacy recalled the “strong positions” of the OTP bank and the pharmaceutical company Richter on the Moldovan market, as well as the fact that last year bilateral trade reached a record volume of 200 million euros, the press release of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says. affairs

Szijjarto noted that NATO members will not receive compensation for previous contributions aimed at financing the Afghan army, and expressed the desire of the Hungarian government that part of these funds, 120 million forints (322 thousand euros), be used to strengthen the security of the Republic. Moldova, explaining that it is located “on the eastern border of the European political community, and therefore we have a common interest in security.”

“It is unacceptable that the EU refuses to finance natural gas infrastructure”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary also talked about Hungary’s energy diversification, calling the start of gas supplies from Azerbaijan, planned for the current year, an important step in this regard. Hungary expects to receive 100 million cubic meters of gas this year, Sijarto said.

He noted that the development of infrastructure in Southeast Europe is key to the success of this project, as current capacities are not sufficient for significant energy diversification.

“This is a mission for the EU. (Southeastern European countries) have the right to expect the EU to finance projects that increase gas delivery capacity,” said the head of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry.

A meeting of the European Political Community will be held in Chisinau on June 1, from which, according to the Hungarian minister, “a decision on the development of transport and energy relations between the EU and its border territories is expected.”

“We understand that it is unacceptable for the EU to refuse funding for natural gas infrastructure, and we see gas as an important pillar of energy security now and in the years to come,” Siyarto said, adding that Azerbaijani gas is a key alternative. also for Hungary and the Republic of Moldova.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary also met in Chisinau with Prime Minister Dorin Recan, Minister of Economic Development Dumitru Alaiba and Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan.