Published: November 16 2023
In a recent panel discussion at the international MEDays Forum, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó of Hungary called for a European-African energy partnership to address Europe's energy crisis. He emphasized the need for infrastructure developments to make use of African energy sources and urged the European Union to view Africa as a valuable partner.
Importance of Infrastructure Developments for Energy Cooperation
According to Szijjártó, energy cooperation between Europe and Africa is impossible without infrastructure developments. He highlighted the crucial role of projects like the planned EastMed gas pipeline in ensuring a reliable energy supply for both continents. Szijjártó emphasized the belief of Hungarians that connectivity and global cooperation are essential in addressing the world's challenges.
Maintaining Communication and Abandoning Colonial Ideas
Szijjártó stressed the importance of keeping communication channels open in fostering a successful European-African energy partnership. He urged for the abandonment of colonial ideas and emphasized that the absence of physical links could be destructive for economic and trade ties.
Economic Growth in Africa and European Investments
The Foreign Minister highlighted infrastructure developments as the key to economic growth in Africa. He argued that Europe has a vested interest in developing the continent, as improving Africa's economic circumstances would help manage the mass influx of immigrants to Europe. Szijjártó emphasized the need to promote European investments in Africa and mentioned Hungary's contributions, such as providing advanced water management technologies to Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, as well as undertaking a 600 million dollar project to develop public road links in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hungary calls for a European-African energy partnership to address Europe's energy crisis. Infrastructure developments are seen as crucial for energy cooperation, and Hungary urges the European Union to view Africa as a valuable partner. The promotion of European investments in Africa is emphasized as a means to improve the continent's economic circumstances and manage immigration challenges in Europe.
Questions & Answers
Why does Hungary want Europe to consider Africa as an energy partner? Hungary believes that utilizing African energy sources is necessary to overcome Europe's energy crisis.
What did Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó say about the EastMed gas pipeline? Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the construction of the planned EastMed gas pipeline is crucial for both Africa and Europe, as energy cooperation cannot happen without infrastructure developments.
What does Hungary believe is the key to economic growth in Africa? Hungary believes that infrastructure developments are key to economic growth in Africa.
Why does Europe have a vested interest in developing Africa, according to the Hungarian Minister? The Hungarian Minister argues that if Africa's economic circumstances do not improve, Europe will not be able to manage the mass influx of immigrants from there. Thus, Europe has a vested interest in promoting European investments in Africa.
What technologies is Hungary prepared to contribute to Africa? Hungary is prepared to contribute its advanced water management technologies to Africa, technologies that it has already provided to Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
What projects have Hungarian companies been tasked with in Africa? Hungarian companies have been tasked with a 600 million dollar project to develop public road links in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
