“Estonia and Hungary are connected by historical, cultural and linguistic ties. We are two Finno-Ugric peoples, although this can sometimes be rather difficult to believe based on the sound of our languages,” Tsahkna said. “Today’s visit provided an opportunity to open a new chapter in relations between our countries and discuss how we can work together for a strong, prosperous and secure Europe.”
According to the Foreign Minister, Estonia greatly values Hungary’s contribution to our security, including its participation in the work of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn and in the Baltic Air Policing mission. Hungary has also sent personnel to NATO units stationed in Estonia, and Hungarian officers have studied at the Baltic Defence College.
According to Tsahkna, the visit took place at a time when security is at the centre of European discussions.
“Without security, there can be no prosperity, investment or stable Europe. Estonia and Hungary are both members of the European Union and NATO, and it is in our shared interest to have a strong, secure and competitive Europe,” Tsahkna said.
“Europe’s central security challenge remains Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the need to achieve a just and lasting peace. To this end, we must continue supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia,” he added.
“To ensure Europe’s long-term security, there must be no neutral areas between the European Union and Russia, and countries that share our values must be able to join the European Union. In the case of Ukraine and Moldova, all negotiating clusters must be opened swiftly, while progress must also continue towards the accession of the Western Balkan countries,” said Tsahkna.
The Foreign Minister also sees opportunities to strengthen economic relations between Estonia and Hungary, develop digital and cyber cooperation, and share Estonia’s experience in building a digital state.
During his visit, Tsahkna also met with Ildikó Éva Sopovi, Chair of the Hungarian Parliament’s Committee on European Affairs, and members of the committee, and gave a lecture on Estonia’s foreign and security policy priorities at Ludovika University, which provides training for Hungarian civil servants.
