18 March 2014
Hungary is seeking cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the energy and agriculture sectors, according to the country's ambassador.
In an exclusive interview, Miklos Kallay told Arab News there would be good opportunities in conventional, renewable energy and nuclear energy. There were also possibilities in engineering and water-related matters.
The second Hungarian-Arab Business Forum 2014 organized by the Hungarian Investment and Trade Authority and the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries, will take place in Riyadh from March 23 to 25.
Kallay said Hungary is known for its world-class education system, which attracts many foreign students in electrical and mechanical engineering, information technology, physics and medicine. This could also be an opportunity for Saudi students, he said.
The forum is co-chaired by Prince Muqrin, second deputy premier and the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban.
Kallay said many Hungarian businesspeople have registered to attend the event. "We have 130 businessmen from Hungary and I hope that a similar large number of Saudi and other Arab businessmen will come."
He said the Hungarian-Saudi Business Council would be established as part of the event.
He said the prime minister would be on an official visit, the second to Saudi Arabia within two-and-a-half years, which would give both sides the chance to review achievements. The ambassador said the visit would be mutually beneficial.
"We want to make up for what we've lost over the previous years, since we established diplomatic contact in 1995. Over the past 19 years we have laid the foundation for good and reliable relations," he said.
He said Hungary has since 1980 undertaken the "huge task of harmonizing our political, economic and legal structures with modern European models."
"In spite of these facts we must underline that Hungary did not join the European Union, but was reintegrated into a community which it had belonged to for more than 1,100 years. Although Hungary and the Kingdom are not in the same league concerning business potential, I can see great possibilities in several areas," the ambassador said.
He said the country is relatively small and does not have many natural resources. "What we have for further growth is fairly good quality of farming land, quite large surface and underground water resources, and the natural beauty of the country."
He said Hungary has health spas, famous Hungarian cuisine and a hospitable people, "which reflects our Asian tribal origin."
In the education and cultural spheres, Kallay said: "We need to do more right now and in the near future, in spite of the fact that at present more than 270 Saudi students are studying at various Hungarian universities."
"Far more cultural events should be organized in Hungary and Saudi Arabia to start bridging the gap, which originates from our different cultural backgrounds. I am convinced that by doing so we can contribute to building a harmonious and peaceful world," he said.
Hungary is seeking cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the energy and agriculture sectors, according to the country's ambassador.
In an exclusive interview, Miklos Kallay told Arab News there would be good opportunities in conventional, renewable energy and nuclear energy. There were also possibilities in engineering and water-related matters.
The second Hungarian-Arab Business Forum 2014 organized by the Hungarian Investment and Trade Authority and the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries, will take place in Riyadh from March 23 to 25.
Kallay said Hungary is known for its world-class education system, which attracts many foreign students in electrical and mechanical engineering, information technology, physics and medicine. This could also be an opportunity for Saudi students, he said.
The forum is co-chaired by Prince Muqrin, second deputy premier and the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban.
Kallay said many Hungarian businesspeople have registered to attend the event. "We have 130 businessmen from Hungary and I hope that a similar large number of Saudi and other Arab businessmen will come."
He said the Hungarian-Saudi Business Council would be established as part of the event.
He said the prime minister would be on an official visit, the second to Saudi Arabia within two-and-a-half years, which would give both sides the chance to review achievements. The ambassador said the visit would be mutually beneficial.
"We want to make up for what we've lost over the previous years, since we established diplomatic contact in 1995. Over the past 19 years we have laid the foundation for good and reliable relations," he said.
He said Hungary has since 1980 undertaken the "huge task of harmonizing our political, economic and legal structures with modern European models."
"In spite of these facts we must underline that Hungary did not join the European Union, but was reintegrated into a community which it had belonged to for more than 1,100 years. Although Hungary and the Kingdom are not in the same league concerning business potential, I can see great possibilities in several areas," the ambassador said.
He said the country is relatively small and does not have many natural resources. "What we have for further growth is fairly good quality of farming land, quite large surface and underground water resources, and the natural beauty of the country."
He said Hungary has health spas, famous Hungarian cuisine and a hospitable people, "which reflects our Asian tribal origin."
In the education and cultural spheres, Kallay said: "We need to do more right now and in the near future, in spite of the fact that at present more than 270 Saudi students are studying at various Hungarian universities."
"Far more cultural events should be organized in Hungary and Saudi Arabia to start bridging the gap, which originates from our different cultural backgrounds. I am convinced that by doing so we can contribute to building a harmonious and peaceful world," he said.
© Arab News 2014
