Jabrayil, November 24, AZERTAC

“We have been working for 13 years now to create a real strategic partnership between Hungary and Azerbaijan. We do consider Azerbaijan as a true ally, and we do consider the Azerbaijani nation as friends for us. And this friendship is not a friendship of natural gas,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó as he addressed the groundbreaking ceremony for the village of Soltanli of Jabrayil district.

“But 13 years ago, first time we were here with the Prime Minister, we were under the fire of criticism by our European partners that why we are coming to Azerbaijan. Those European and other Western politicians, who criticized and attacked us at that time, are the ones who are now doing their best to have a photo or opportunity with the President of Azerbaijan to get some natural gas,” the Hungarian FM noted.

“Our friendship, the friendship between Hungary and Azerbaijan is a real friendship and we always stood beside Azerbaijan when it comes to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. And we made it very clear that from the very beginning that we would be ready to contribute and take part in the reconstruction efforts in Karabakh. And as we were driving from the Fuzuli airport here, unfortunately, I observed that a lot of work must be done and huge efforts must be completed. But we are happy and proud to announce that the Azerbaijani government and the Hungarian government made an agreement based on which the settlement Soltanli will be reconstructed by Hungarian companies,” the FM mentioned.

Noting that one of the biggest Hungarian construction companies - KÉSZ will prepare the project and start construction work as soon as possible, FM Péter Szijjártó said: “Family houses, community buildings, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, sports facilities will be reconstructed in order to enable around 5,000-6,000 people to return to this village. And we all know that none of you wanted to leave the place, where you, your families have been living. And although it took a long period of time now history will give back to you what has been taken away from you. This groundbreaking ceremony is going to be the first step towards the full reconstruction of Soltanli and another important sign of the friendship between Hungary and Azerbaijan."

“We, Hungarians, are peace-loving people. And we all know that you are all peace-loving people. And we do believe that all people in this region have the right to live in peace in the upcoming years, decades and centuries. And we support that a peace agreement to be signed as soon as possible in order to make sure that you can live your life in peace in the upcoming decades and centuries. May we wish that God helps us to reconstruct this village as quickly as it is just possible to enable you to come back, to continue your old life, and may God as well bless the friendship between our nations,” the FM emphasized.