BUDAPEST, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Hungary and Germany agreed on Monday to strengthen bilateral cooperation and open a new chapter in their relations, following talks between Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Anita Orban and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Budapest.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two ministers said the countries aimed to deepen their long-standing partnership and jointly contribute to a strong, secure and competitive Europe.
Anita Orban said preparations had begun for Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar's visit to Berlin on Nov. 9-10.
The two sides agreed to strengthen the Hungarian-German Forum, establish regular consultations between their foreign ministries and deepen exchanges between young diplomats. They also agreed to intensify cooperation between think tanks while examining the possibility of holding a German-Hungarian cultural year in 2028.
On economic ties, the ministers said bilateral cooperation has contributed significantly to both economies, particularly in the automotive industry, and pledged to expand the cooperation. They called for strengthening the EU single market, improving European industrial competitiveness and coordinating efforts to safeguard energy security.
On migration, Hungary and Germany said their region faced significant pressure and identified stopping illegal migration and strengthening the protection of the EU's external borders as common goals.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to EU enlargement and the integration of the Western Balkans, while highlighting Hungary's recent accession to the European Public Prosecutor's Office as part of the efforts to strengthen the rule of law. ■