US-Russia cooperation needed to solve Europe’s security challenges, says Hungarian foreign minister in NY

New York, February 21 (MTI) – Without cooperation between the United States and Russia, it will not be possible to face up to Europe’s security challenges effectively, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in New York, where he is participating in a meeting of the United Nations security council.

Szijjártó told MTI before a meeting with counterparts that he would analyse Europe’s post-cold-war situation and how it must confront simultaneous and grave challenges and conflicts.

“These conflicts and security challenges are not exclusively European, but many … with global components and global causes are burdening Europe all at the same time,” the minister said. Solutions to the various crises and armed conflicts which threaten European security do not expressly depend on Europe, he said. “It appears that a realistic resolution can only be found … if the Russians and Americans decide to repair their relations and switch to a more pragmatic relationship,” he said.

In his speech, Szijjártó will refer to Hungarians’ historical experiences.

“Our historical experiences are entirely clear: Europe, and especially central Europe, lost out whenever there was a conflict between East and West … So now we are very much rooting for the new American administration and the Russian administration to build better relations.”

Szijjártó said he would point out that the deal with Iran on containing its nuclear developments would not have come about had the US and Russia not negotiated on the same side. “We Hungarians support every initiative that brings the US and Russia closer together, and we regard as damaging every decision that digs ever deeper trenches, be they political or economic.”