On 18 September Hungary became the first Eastern European nation to resume diplomatic relations with Israel, broken in the wake of the Six Day War. Contacts between the two nations intensified during 1989, and they included a brief visit to Budapest by Prime Minister Shamir (18 April). He was accompanied by Justice Minister Meridor. A series of economic agreements was also signed in 1989. Israel was represented for the renewal of ties ceremony by Foreign Minister Arens. In the following interview the prime minister explained the reason for his visit in April and expressed the hope that other Eastern European nations will follow the Hungarian example. Text:
Q: How do you feel about the resumption of full relations with Hungary.?
A: Of course I am happy and satisfied with it. A few minutes ago I -spoke over the phone with Foreign Minister Moshe Arens. I asked him to give my personal regards to the Hungarian prime minister and to the other members of government with whom I have been acquainted and with whom I met during my previous visits to Hungary. I congratulated the foreign minister on the success and the achievement, and I expressed the hope that this achievement, the establishment - or resumption - of diplomatic relations between us and Hungary, will be the first breakthrough into Eastern Europe, and that the signing of this agreement will be followed by others with additional East European capitals.
Q: What delayed the signing of this agreement?
A: I thought you would ask me what made us sign now, and you wish to complain about the delays. Hungary is the first East European country that has decided to take this step, in spite of the different difficulties and obstacles that exist. I have personally dealt with this issue for a long time; I know what these delays were, and among them were matters related to Hungary's relations with other countries of the [Eastern] block. It seems that this has been a daring and courageous decision by the Hungarian Government to be a pioneer in this field, and to declare the establishment of normal relations with the State of Israel.
Q: What does Israel expect from the resumption of relations with Hungary.?
A: First of all, this is a diplomatic achievement that may have implications, as I said, on the rest of the East European countries. It is important for us that the map of Israel's diplomatic ties expand, and that it include this part of the world as well. Moreover, it enhances our prestige in the eyes of other countries in the west and in other areas. It shows that Israel is advancing and that the international war, the war of slander being raged against [Israel] in the international arena, is not at all successful and does not hinder Israel's advancement.
Q: Are you able today to disclose the details concerning your visit to Hungary of about a year ago?
A: That visit was very important. I then met with the prime minister, with the party's secretary-general, and with the minister of foreign affairs, and I received an analysis of all our possibilities in the entire East European block. The conclusion was that at that time Hungary could not overcome the difficulties and the barriers to take this step, but I received a solemn promise that it will arrive soon, and I see that they kept their promise. I also received a detailed description of the position of each and every country in the area.
Q: Can you estimate which will be the next Eastern block country to establish full relations with Israel?
A: I can, but I do not want to guess in public because it is liable to cause damage.