President Van der Bellen and Sulyok: Continuing the Austro-Hungarian Tradition
Austrian President Van der Bellen welcomed his Hungarian counterpart in Vienna
July 18th, 2024
Austrian President Van der Bellen welcomed Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok to an official visit in Vienna. The focus of their meeting was strengthening the long tradition of cooperation between the two nations.
Sulyok’s official visit began with a grand reception at Vienna's Hofburg Palace.
He was welcomed with military honors, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between Hungary and Austria.
This is the second visit abroad of Hungary’s new leader after his election in February of 2024.
Sulyok invited Van der Bellen for a reciprocal official visit in Budapest and emphasized on the importance of preserving the historic relationship between Austrian and Hungary.
"With this visit, we are continuing a long tradition of regular exchanges between the heads of state of our two countries - an expression of the close economic, cultural, and human relations that Hungary and Austria have enjoyed for centuries," said Van der Bellen on a similar note.
The meeting focused on economic and cultural relations, current political challenges, and the importance of stable and harmonious cooperation during turbulent times.
Van der Bellen expressed support for the planned Hungarian-language secondary school in Vienna as a gesture of cultural appreciation.
The presidents also discussed the traffic situation at the Burgenland border crossings, agreeing on the need for constructive talks to ensure smooth border traffic.
President Sulyok outlined Hungary's objectives for its upcoming EU Council Presidency, stressing the need to enhance EU competitiveness and the urgency of EU enlargement to include Western Balkan states.
He also met with Wolfgang Sobotka, President of the Austrian National Council, to discuss the Ukraine conflict and the protection of national minority rights.
The growing anti-Semitism in Europe, especially after the Hamas attacks last October, was another key topic.
President Sulyok reaffirmed Hungary's zero-tolerance policy towards anti-Semitism and its support for Israel's right to self-defense, while distinguishing between the Palestinian population and Hamas.
References:
- - https://www.vindobona.org/article/official-visit-of-hungarian-president-tamas-sulyok-to-austria
- https://www.krone.at/3444332 https://www.krone.at/3444332
