Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that the relationship between Turkey and Hungary has very deep historical roots and that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is loved and highly regarded in Hungary.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban participated as a speaker in the “ADFLeadersTalks” panel at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF).

Orban highlighted the long history of relations between Turkey and Hungary and mentioned that his country is a member of the Turkic Council in Europe.

Orban noted the popularity of strong leaders in Hungary compared to other countries in Europe, stating, “Mr. (President Recep Tayyip) Erdoğan is a particularly beloved and esteemed leader in Hungary. This is valued highly in Hungary.”

“We love President Erdoğan.”

He added, “We love President Erdoğan.” Furthermore, Orban emphasized that a language of peace is spoken between Turkey and Hungary, contrasting with the war rhetoric prevalent in Europe.

Regarding Turkey’s conservative structure, Orban explained that in Europe, concepts such as family, god, and nation are often perceived as belonging to the Middle Ages, and those who advocate for these values encounter difficulties.

He asserted that Hungary, with its 10 million population, does not view the accumulation of hundreds of thousands of migrants at its borders as a positive situation, emphasizing the need for the country to decide who can live within its borders.

“Erdogan saved the European continent.”

Orban underscored the significant role Turkey plays in migration issues, stating that without Turkey, Europe and the European Union (EU) would have lost their stability. He expressed gratitude towards Turkey, stating that everyone in Europe should feel grateful to Turkey.

While acknowledging the promises made by the EU to Turkey regarding migration, Orban highlighted the need for support for Turkey’s economic difficulties, expressing disappointment in the lack of fulfillment of these promises.

The war in Ukraine.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Orban emphasized that it is not Hungary’s war, but the country must consider its interests and act accordingly.

He criticized the EU for defining the conflict as “our war,” stating that such a definition would imply a direct war against Ukraine and Russia, which is not the case. Orban stressed the importance of taking a multifaceted approach to the war, focusing on timing rather than taking sides.

He expressed his belief that time is working in Russia’s favor, and as time passes, the EU and Ukraine are losing ground while Russia gains more advantages. Therefore, he called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both sides to start peace negotiations.

Orban expressed his belief in the need for greater emphasis on values such as family, god, and nation within the EU. He suggested that changes may occur within the EU after the European Parliament elections in June, and he indicated his efforts to bring together the right and center-right within the European Parliament.

“If Trump were the President of the United States, there would be no war.”

Referring to his upcoming meeting with former US President Donald Trump, Orban expressed his respect for Trump and stated his belief that if Trump were the President of the United States, there would be no war at present.

He also suggested that Trump’s reelection could end the war in Ukraine and bring about similar changes in the Israel-Gaza situation. Regarding Hungary’s assumption of the EU Presidency in the second half of the year, Orban dismissed speculation and confirmed that Hungary will indeed take over the Presidency.

He mentioned that during its presidency, Hungary will address the issue of EU enlargement, with a focus on Balkan countries preceding Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Europe to regain momentum in terms of competition.

Source: aa.com.tr