Bratislava – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) characterized his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Tuesday in Bratislava as spontaneous, friendly, and productive. The discussion included topics related to the EU, and Fico invited Orbán for an official visit on March 19 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on Good Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between Slovakia and Hungary, as reported by TASR.
“I am pleased to say that Slovak-Hungarian relations are currently at their peak; the coexistence of our nations is not a political matter,” Fico remarked. He noted that both leaders share similar views regarding events in their countries as well as issues on the international stage. Fico described the meeting as thematic and friendly, highlighting discussions about the current status of the European Union and recent developments in the United States under President Donald Trump.
Fico mentioned that he aligns with the new U.S. president on various subjects, including migration and family matters.
During the meeting, Fico updated Orbán on Slovakia’s internal political landscape, particularly regarding opposition activities and criticisms aimed at the government’s international political positions. “I want to emphasize that our primary affiliations are with the EU and NATO, but we also have the right to express critical views,” Fico stated. He highlighted that both governments recognize their responsibility to prepare for potential changes within the Union and shared details about the government’s plans, which include a constitutional guarantee of only two genders: male and female.
Orbán echoed Fico’s sentiment about the strong bond between their countries and reaffirmed that both Slovakia and Hungary are committed members of the EU and NATO, stating, “And so it will remain.” He expressed agreement on the rapidly changing global and European landscape, suggesting that with Trump potentially returning to the presidency, Slovakia and Hungary could align more closely with the main ideological currents of the Western world.
“The Western world stands on two legs, European and American, and with the new American president advocating views aligned with ours on migration and family, we are becoming part of the intellectual mainstream of the Western world,” Orbán remarked. He called for a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, criticized efforts to prolong the war, and opposed anti-Russian sanctions that negatively impact EU member states, including Hungary and Slovakia. “We appreciate Mr. Fico’s criticism of the halt in gas transit through Ukraine and its detrimental effects on Europe,” he added, expressing support for Fico’s efforts to restore transit routes.
Both Prime Ministers endorsed Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU, yet emphasized that the integration process should be contingent upon meeting specified criteria. They both expressed opposition to Ukraine’s entry into NATO. (January 21st)
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