Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has sent a congratulatory letter to Eduard Heger on his appointment as prime minister of Slovakia. In a separate letter, PM Orban also experssed his gratitude to outgoing PM Igor Matovic for their excellent co-operation, his press chief told Hungary s state news agency (MTI) on Thursday.

Hungary considers Slovakia a key ally and a strategic partner, Viktor Orban wrote to newly appointed PM Eduard Heger. Mr Orban welcomed that bilateral relations had developed in every field of cooperation over the past years, expressing hope that the two countries could further strengthen them. Orban said he trusted that despite the extraordinary challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic,”together we will be able to maintain the V4 group s role as Europe s engine of growth.” He expressed hope to meet Mr Heger in person soon to discuss political and economic affairs.

In another letter to outgoing Slovak PM Igor Matovic, PM Orban thanked him for „the excellent cooperation” maintained „during this period burdened with unprecedented challenges. I am sincerely grateful for your constructive attitude which helped us overcome the difficulties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. PM Orban thanked Mr Matovic for his „well-considered decisions” that he said allowed keeping the two countries common borders open and their economies running. „I particularly appreciate the efforts you have made to continuously strengthen the V4 cooperation,” said Orban, and recalled the joint projects of Slovakia and Hungary, especially the handover of the Monostor Bridge, which greatly contributed to the strenghtening of the ties between the two countries and their citizens.