SZTARAY: SNSD CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM POLITICAL SCENE, SRPSKA IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO HUNGARY

BUDAPEST, NOVEMBER 26 /SRNA/ - Hungary’s State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Sztáray, emphasized that Republika Srpska, as an entity, is of utmost importance to the Hungarian Government, adding that it is especially significant that, following an orderly election day, the SNSD has proven that voters’ confidence in the party remains unwavering.

Congratulating the SNSD on its victory in the early presidential election, Sztáray stressed that he believes that, especially concerning the 2026 elections, despite current challenges, political cooperation among parties in BiH will be balanced and sustainable, and will continue in a way that takes into account the interests of the constituent peoples and respects their rights.

"This cannot be achieved in any other way, because it has been proven that the SNSD cannot be pushed off the political stage in any manner, given that one of the party’s greatest strengths lies in its credibility," he stressed at the reception organized by Republika Srpska as a gesture of gratitude to Hungary for its cooperation and friendship.

Sztáray emphasized that an important foreign-economic and foreign-policy goal of the Hungarian Government is to strengthen and accelerate economic, trade, and political cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as to speed up the EU integration process.

"Republika Srpska holds a prominent place in this. We know that the Serbs in BiH play a key role in the region, and we always stress to our partners that one should negotiate with them based on mutual respect, in accordance with their weight.

In that spirit, Hungary consistently upholds the principles contained in the Dayton Peace Agreement — two entities, three constituent peoples, and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH. Our interest is the stability of BiH, both politically and economically, which is not possible without cooperation among the constituent peoples," Sztáray said.

He stated that significant changes have occurred in the United States since President Donald Trump assumed office.

According to him, patriotism has been gaining increasing significance under President Trump’s leadership, and this trend is also present in other countries around the world, including in Europe.

"We are pleased to see and closely follow the fact that the U.S. administration has turned away from a policy of sanctions and isolation. It has been confirmed on multiple occasions that, instead of a counterproductive approach and interventionism, dialogue will take priority in the future, encouraging all local political actors to engage.

As one of Hungary’s greatest, Count István Széchenyi, said: ‘Respect the past so that you can understand the present and work for the future.’ Our friendship is based on mutual respect, understanding, and working together for the future," he emphasized.

He pointed out that genuine dialogue and sovereign politics can only be conducted without external pressure and the use of sanctions.

"We have always rejected the political and legal persecution of legitimate, democratically elected leaders. We hope that this will increasingly be recognized in Europe as well. Hungary firmly believes that without the Serbs, one cannot speak of a successful and developing Western Balkans.

We understand the situation and aspirations of the Serbs in BiH and fully support cooperation based on the Dayton principles, which ensure the rights of the constituent peoples. As a country located in the neighborhood of this region, it is important for us that the country remains stable, which is not possible without the Serbs in BiH," he explained.

That is why, he added, we devote special attention to the continuous development of our relations with Republika Srpska.

"The cooperation between Hungary and Republika Srpska is not only excellent in the political and economic spheres. We are rightly proud of the exceptionally close scientific, cultural, and higher education ties as well. In this context, a highly symbolic event will take place tomorrow in Banja Luka, when Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Banja Luka. On my part, I will continue to work to ensure that our relations with Republika Srpska continue to grow and strengthen," said Péter Sztáray, the State Secretary at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.