Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R, Rear) and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on Jan. 16, 2024. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico on Tuesday pledged his support for Hungary in various fields in the European Union (EU). (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
BUDAPEST, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico on Tuesday pledged his support for Hungary in various fields in the European Union (EU).
"I will never agree to punish a country for fighting for its sovereignty. I will never agree with such an attack against Hungary," Fico said during a joint press conference here alongside his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orban.
Fico's support for Hungary comes amidst growing tensions within the EU over immigration, governance, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the role of Brussels in the internal affairs of member states.
Fico indicated that Orban could count on his support in Brussels, suggesting a unified front against initiatives that may undermine the sovereignty of their nations.
Both the Hungarian and Slovak leaders have expressed reservations about the EU's strategies on migration and Ukraine, advocating for a more nuanced approach that respects the sovereignty and specific circumstances of member states.
Orban highlighted the significant progress made on bilateral relations.
He praised the economic cooperation between the two countries, which includes the transit of crude oil and electricity on both sides. This cooperation is set to expand with a second major cooperation package. ■
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R, Rear) and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on Jan. 16, 2024. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico on Tuesday pledged his support for Hungary in various fields in the European Union (EU). (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R, Rear) and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on Jan. 16, 2024. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico on Tuesday pledged his support for Hungary in various fields in the European Union (EU). (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico attends a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (not in the picture) in Budapest, Hungary, on Jan. 16, 2024. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico on Tuesday pledged his support for Hungary in various fields in the European Union (EU). (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)