On the occasion of the meeting of the Speakers of the Hungarian and Croatian Parliaments on the 1st of June, László Kövér and his Croatian homologue Zeljko Reiner inaugurated the “Hungarian House” in Vukovár. In his inaugural speech László Kövér called Vukovár the capital of revival in the 21st century Europe. "I am delighted by the handover of the Hungarian House, which demonstrates that revival is possible” – said the Hungarian Speaker, adding that the strength of a city lies not with its walls but within the souls of its defenders. “The city has now reborn and so did the local Hungarian community, of which the Hungarian House is a great proof”
Croatian Sabor Speaker Zeljko Reiner said that Hungaro-Croatian cooperation is an example of good neighborly relations, especially in the field minority protection. "The agreement on mutual protection of minorities signed by two countries dates back to as early as 1995, but more importantly, during these 21 years the agreement was actually implemented and not remained a dead letter” – he stressed. The Croatian Speaker thanked Hungary for ensuring the representation of Hungarian Croats in the Hungarian Parliament, adding that it would be even preferable to have their voting rights also ensured.
Prior to the inauguration of the Hungarian House, Sabor Speaker Zeljko Reiner laid wreaths at the monument dedicated to the defenders of the city, and planted a tree as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. As part of the program, László Kövér also held talks with the presidency of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Croatia.
On the 2nd of June, László Kövér held talks with Zeljko Reiner, Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miro Kovac. The Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament expressed his wish that leaders of the two countries could negotiate not only as strategic partners but as friends, as has been the case in the past. He also added that this does not exclude pending disputes being settled in a way that is best for the promotion of national interests. However, according to László Kövér, a return to a correct, respectful dialogue and a set of negotiations with a readiness to compromise is needed.
Both Speakers touched upon a wide range of topics in relation to cooperation within the EU, as well as economic and infrastructural investments. In that respect, the North-South European transport corridor, known as the 5C corridor was highlighted, the starting point of which is planned to be Budapest reaching Ploce through Sarajevo. The development of the Rijeka-Zagreb-Budapest railway line was also discussed. László Kövér also highlighted Hungary’s membership in the Visegrád Group which has seen an excellent level of cooperation recently. He said that the Adriatic-Baltic-Black Sea Initiative of Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and that of the Croatian Government, which aims at strengthening cooperation within the Baltic Sea, the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea regions, very much resonates with the Visegrád Group’s ideas. The V4 is a good example that such an integration could become viable - he stressed.
According to the Hungarian House Speaker, only those elements of bilateral relations should be given focus that promote cooperation, at the same time we should also attempt to resolve divisive issues. "For small countries like Hungary and Croatia, the only chance to promote their interests within the EU is to cooperate with other like-minded countries” - underlined László Kövér.
The Hungarian House Speaker also had talks with Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic and Minister of Foreign Affairs Miro Kovac. In the Hungarian Institute, he also met leaders of Hungarian associations based in Zagreb who provided the Speaker an overview of the community's activities.
