This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows part of the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

Visiting Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has reaffirmed strong support for Serbia’s EU accession while emphasizing the importance of energy and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries.

BELGRADE, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) — Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has reaffirmed Hungary’s strong support for Serbia’s European Union (EU) accession during an official visit to Belgrade on Monday. He also emphasized the importance of energy and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries.

“Serbia is not only a strategic partner for us but a true friend,” Sulyok said at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. “We will do all we can to support Serbia’s path to full EU membership, and we are committed to contributing to this shared goal.”

Meanwhile, Sulyok highlighted that it is time to fulfill the two-decade-old promise of EU membership for the Western Balkans. Energy security and infrastructure emerged as key topics, with both leaders underscoring their countries’ strategic alignment.

People wait for trains at Belgrade railway station in Belgrade, Serbia, April 29, 2024. The Budapest-Belgrade railway is one of the flagship projects of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

“There can be no energy security in Hungary without Serbia, and equally, no energy security in Serbia without Hungary. Our energy systems are interconnected,” Sulyok said, stressing the two countries’ mutual dependence on shared energy resources and policies.

For his part, President Vucic praised the extensive cooperation between Serbia and Hungary, emphasizing that their economic, infrastructure, and energy ties are bringing tangible benefits to citizens. He noted that Hungary is currently Serbia’s fourth-largest trading partner, underscoring the alignment between the two nations in crucial areas.

“Our close connectivity with Hungary — through infrastructure, transport, and energy — has a direct, positive impact on our citizens,” Vucic remarked.

The leaders also discussed ongoing work on the Belgrade-Budapest railway, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth. ■