Hungary says it never wants to confront Russia

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban told Russian President Putin that Budapest has never wanted to confront Russia, but only wanted to build close relations.

"Hungary is trying to salvage bilateral ties amid growing international tensions," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Beijing, China today. The Russian and Hungarian leaders are in China to attend the Belt and Road Forum.

The two leaders also discussed gas and oil transportation as well as nuclear energy issues, according to the Hungarian Prime Minister's press secretary, Bertalan Havasi. Mr. Orban stressed that it was important for Europe, including Hungary, to end the war in Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and the flow of refugees.

Under a 2014 contract, Russia's Rosatom energy corporation is building a nuclear power plant in Hungary.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met in Beijing, China on October 17. Photo: AFP

President Putin said he was pleased to maintain relations with some European countries.

"In the current geopolitical conditions, the ability to maintain contact and develop relations is very limited, but we cannot help but be pleased that our relations with many European countries are maintained and developed. One of those countries is Hungary," Mr. Putin said.

Hungary is a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO, but has refused to provide weapons and military equipment to Ukraine after the outbreak of war. Hungary has repeatedly criticized EU sanctions against Russia and argued with other members about support for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Orban is considered the most pro-Russian leader among the 27 EU member states. He has declared that Hungary will maintain economic relations with Russia, stating that Moscow is not a security threat to Budapest.

The last face-to-face meeting between Mr. Putin and Mr. Orban took place for a few hours in Moscow on February 1, 2022, three weeks before Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine.

Huyen Le (According to AFP , Reuters )

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