FM Szijjártó: Both Hungary and Laos benefit from their reliable partnership
Their cooperation can help alleviate the difficulties caused by the war and the "failed" sanctions policy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó discussed the war in Ukraine with his Laotian counterpart, Saleumxay Kommasith, pointing out that although it is a regional armed conflict, its negative effects are felt worldwide.
He stressed that decisions and statements that risk escalation are extremely damaging for both Hungary and Laos and that the risk of escalating the conflict in the neighborhood is much higher.
Szijjártó also spoke about bilateral economic cooperation, which he said could help alleviate the difficulties caused by the war and the “failed” sanctions policy.
He said that Hungarian companies in the food, water and IT sectors are currently investing HUF 80 billion in an aid loan program in Southeast Asia; preparations for a fourth such program have already begun.
Hungarian companies are developing an electronic identity card system for around HUF 10 billion, a comprehensive food safety system for HUF 30 billion and water treatment plants for HUF 40 billion to supply the capital, Szijjártó said. He underlined that the company’s presence justified the conclusion of an investment protection agreement.
The FM further said that during the meeting, a cooperation agreement on higher education was signed for the period 2023-2025 and that 150 scholarships will continue to be offered annually to Laotian students at universities in Hungary.
