BUDAPEST, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto on Tuesday highlighted the strategic benefits of Montenegro's accession to the European Union (EU) and reaffirmed Hungary's continued support for the country.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Budapest with visiting Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj, Szijjarto emphasized that the EU is facing serious challenges amid the current global climate and that expanding toward the Western Balkans would significantly bolster regional stability and prosperity.
He criticized the EU for the slow pace of integration for Western Balkan countries, despite their readiness to join, citing that Montenegro applied for EU membership 17 years ago and has been a candidate for 15 years, yet its progress remains limited.
Szijjarto also highlighted Hungary's achievements during its EU presidency, including the closure of three negotiating chapters with Montenegro and the country's inclusion in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). He expressed hope that at least six more chapters could be concluded within the year to advance Montenegro's EU accession. ■