The prime minister said Europe’s biggest problem now is its decline in competitiveness, adding that Hungary’s EU rotating presidency would put a European competitiveness pact centre stage.
Tristan Azbej said he had met Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli and discussed joint activities in Africa, helping persecuted Christians and the upcoming EP election.
The foreign minister said Italy had never before played as important a role in the Hungarian economy as currently.
Hungary and Italy are linked by their geographical proximity, history and shared views on ideological and social issues.
The next few years will see the launch of joint Italian-Hungarian cultural and scientific programs.
Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky thanked his Italian counterpart for Italy’s participation in the protection of NATO’s eastern flank and in the work of the NATO-enhanced Vigilance Activity Battle Group.
Minister Varga said Italy’s government was alone in understanding Hungary’s “solid arguments” in the legal dispute over its child protection law.
The ministers discussed the economic situation in their respective countries as well as economic policy developments in the European Union.
“We agreed that by starting the war, Vladimir Putin has crossed the Rubicon. Our common goal is to stop the war as soon as possible and have peace,” the president said on Facebook.
The prime minister expressed hope that he will get an opportunity to personally consult with Meloni about joint tasks in the near future.
Italian companies had shown loyalty to Hungary during the pandemic, with 28 Italian companies investing HUF 12 billion (EUR 33m), creating 3,400 jobs.
PM Orbán assured Draghi that the Hungarian government remained dedicated to “enhancing bilateral ties and strengthening European cooperation based on mutual respect”.
Salvini is facing legal proceedings because he, when interior minister, banned a ship of illegal migrants from docking.