Hungary has been at the forefront of the migrant crisis since they built a high-tech fence to keep migrants out and its government officials loudly criticized illegal migration. But, it still has global goals-as the Foreign Minister holds bilateral meetings and signs deals with countries around the world. The Foreign Minister of Hungary Peter Szijjarto discussed his country's ties with China, the EU and his controversial views on immigration.

Regarding the issue of the greatest area of corporation between Hungary and China, Peter Szijjarto said the Belt and Road Initiative (BIR) is a huge opportunity to attract successful and highly developed Chinese capital to Hungary.

"The Hungarian economy is in a situation of a changing dimension from the 'made in Hungary' to the 'explore and invent (in Hungary)'," said Peter Szijjarto. Under this context, the migration of new technology from China to Hungary is a mutual beneficial deal.

Hungary was one of the first countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. After 2017, Hungary agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

In order to grow that partnership with China, Peter Szijjarto mentioned the flagship project which was co-sponsored by the Chinese government. The project served as an important link of the BRI to Europe with the goal of growing that partnership with China.

Chinese companies are bidding for the construction and Hungary have been in negotiations with the Export-Import Bank of China to finance the investment project of a railway line between the Serbian capital Belgrade and the Hungarian capital Budapest.

"There's a big opportunity for forward progress regarding the food industry," said Peter Szijjarto. The Hungarian Constitution announced that the Hungarian agriculture and food industry must be free of genetically modified organism (GMO) which ensures that Hungarian food is delicious and healthy. It gives Hungary a good chance to gain further market shares in China.

The background of China-Hungary relationship is based on the Hungarian government's Eastern Opening strategy.

A few years ago, the Hungarian government announced the Eastern Opening strategy. On the one hand, Hungarian and Chinese governments have a great and productive relationship. The Hungarian government would like Hungary to be a gate between east and west.

On the other hand, Hungary is a relatively small country and has to be open to the world. Through this plan, it prospers cooperation with other countries, thus reducing dependence on the EU.

"The biggest (Chinese) electric bus producer BYD is in favor of establishing their first factory in Hungary with low taxes," said Peter Szijjarto. As for the Eastern Opening plan, Hungary has offered a variety of cash incentives, creating an attractive environment for Chinese companies.

In recent years, the Hungarian government has opposed the EU's policy of distributing refugees to member states and defended its southern part by building border fences and by modifying its border law.

Peter Szijjarto discussed his view about migrants and refugees. During the last three and half years, 33 major terrorist attacks were committed in the territory of the European Union.

He responded that illegal migration puts an enormous security threat on the European Union. An uncontrolled influx of millions of people to Europe gave the opportunity for terrorist organizations to send terrorists to Europe.

Hungary is a member of the European Union and has developed a close working relationship with China. Brexit has brought tension to the European Union budget, and EU funds will shift more to Southeast European countries which currently faces dual pressure from immigration and employment.

As for reconciliation of the relationship between China and the European Union, Hungary bases their foreign policy on mutual respect.

"Hungary never interferes in the domestic issues of other countries, and expects others not to interfere into Hungary's domestic issues," said Peter Szijjarto. 

The Heat with Anand Naidoo is a 30-minute political talk show on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 7:00 a.m. BJT and 7:00 p.m. Eastern in the United States.

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