The two leaders discussed strengthening German-Hungarian relations Image: Annegret Hilse/REUTERS
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar pledged to strengthen relations between their countries during talks in Berlin, announcing plans for closer cooperation on energy, defense and trade.
Merz described the meeting, attended by several ministers from both governments, as part of a fresh start in relations between Germany and Hungary.
“The German and Hungarian histories are closely intertwined,” Merz said, adding that he wanted to use the momentum of Hungary’s new government to revive bilateral ties.
Magyar highlighted the significance of his visit taking place around November 9 —the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
“It is a very important day in the life of the German people,” Magyar said, adding that Hungary was proud of the role it had played in those historic events.
In August 1989, hundreds of East Germans escaped to Austria during the Pan-European Picnic on the Hungarian border. Hungary subsequently opened its border to East German refugees in September, allowing tens of thousands to flee to the West and helping accelerate the collapse of communist rule in East Germany.
Around 600 escaped through a temporarily opened border gate, helping pave the way for the fall of the Iron Curtain (FILE: 19/08/1989)Image: Votava/dpa/picture alliance
Turning to economic relations, Merz said Germany was Hungary’s largest trading partner and welcomed what he called positive signals from Budapest about improving conditions for German companies.
Merz also offered to help Hungary reduce its dependence on Russian energy imports by providing access to capacity at German liquefied natural gas terminals and sharing expertise in renewable energy.
“The stars are very favorable,” Magyar said, referring to prospects for strengthening the countries’ already close economic and cultural ties.
Magyar welcomed the offer but stressed that prices would be crucial.