US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Budapest –⁠ video

Marco Rubio, the United States Secretary of State, has arrived in Budapest for high-level talks with Hungarian leaders, with discussions expected to centre on efforts to end the war in Ukraine and the future of Hungarian-American relations.

Rubio’s plane landed on Sunday afternoon following his participation in the Munich Security Conference and a stop in Pozsony (Bratislava). He was received at the airport by Deputy Foreign Minister Levente Magyar.

Peace in Ukraine high on the agenda

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Szijjártó Péter said he would hold talks with Rubio about the prospects for peace in Ukraine and strengthening diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. Speaking to Kossuth Rádió, Szijjártó argued that while some European actors are undermining Washington’s peace efforts, Hungary continues to advocate for a negotiated settlement.

Rubio is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Orbán Viktor on Monday. The two leaders are expected to hold a joint press conference after their discussions.