On 12 February, Minister-president Jambon started his two-day mission to Hungary and the Czech Republic. In Budapest, he met the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Szijjarto, before being received by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
During both talks the trade relations between Flanders and Hungary, as well as the Brexit were discussed. "We agree with Hungary that we must insist on an ambitious partnership between the EU and the United Kingdom, with a far-reaching free trade agreement," said Minister-president Jambon afterwards.
The European Article 7 procedure was also discussed.
"I expressed the hope that Hungary could take steps to address the EU's concerns, in particular on the independence of the justice system and press freedom. I am convinced that we can find a solution through dialogue, because the EU is also a Union of fundamental rights and values. We have already lost a member state with the UK, I think it is important that we now strengthen the Union," said Minister-president Jambon.
Photo: BELGA