The presidents of the Covasna, Harghita and Mureş County Councils of the Szekler Land and the Deputy Governor of the Autonomous Region of Bolzano (South Tyrol) in Italy signed a statement of intent on drafting a cooperation agreement in Sfântu Gheorghe on Thursday, the Hungarian agency MTI news.

The document shows that between the predominantly Hungarian region of Romania and the Italian region, where the German population is the majority, there are similar views on cultural understanding, the collaboration between the minority and the majority, the cohabitation between the ethnic groups.

The Statement of intent further stipulates that the purpose of the relations to be established is the economic development of both regions, as well as exchanges of good practices in the field of education, tourism, agriculture, the association system, as well as in the field of local and regional trademarks.

From Covasna County, the statement of intent was signed by Sándor Tamás, from Harghita by Csaba Borboly and from by Péter Ferenc, and South Tyrol was represented by Deputy Governor Daniel Alfreider. According to the document, the signatories undertake to draw up an agreement which, after the approval of all local authorities and the two states, is the legal basis for achieving common goals and will contribute to the development of friendly relations between the peoples of Italy and Romania.

Csaba Borboly, president of CJ Harghita, has appreciated the example of multilingualism in South Tyrol. “And in Szeklerland as well it would be advantageous if Romanians learnt Hungarian as well,” Borboly said and spoke about the efforts made by Hungarian students to be able to learn Romanian properly. “We will not be able to defeat each other. Everyone has to understand this, “the politician said, adding that “we should reach the situation in which the Romanians in Szekler Land feel that the region is their homeland “.

After 1970, South Tyrol became a territorial autonomous province. Deputy Governor Daniel Alfreider said South Tyrol has gained territorial autonomy after the cause has gained international resonance and everyone wanted a peaceful solution. He stressed that “all conflicts are a waste of time, which is why there must be endeavors to avoid them.” Alfreider believes that the premise of autonomy is decentralization. “Developing the region becomes cheaper if local issues determine local communities directly affected by these decisions,” Alfreider said.

The President of Covasna County Council (SJ), Sándor Tamás, noted that Szekler Land has both a territory and a population that is twice as large as of South Tyrol, but in both regions the majority-minority ratio, country life and the past history are similar. “For Szeklerland, ethnic peace in South Tyrol is exemplary, and it has also resulted in an economic boost,” said Sándor Tamás.

Source: evz.ro (Translation TFP)