This is how Hungary prepares for next week’s Putin-Orbán summit

PM Viktor Orbán said in his morning interview that he would negotiate at next week’s Hungary-Russia summit to increase gas supplies as part of Hungary’s long-term contract with Russia. The prime minister said that as energy prices soar, Hungary wants to fortify its energy security by increasing the amount of gas delivered under the Hungary-Russia contract concluded last September.

Put to him the opposition’s suggestion that “Putin ordered the Hungarian Prime Minister to visit Moscow”, Orban said the Hungarian public “very well knows we cannot be ordered anywhere”. “Hungary is a sovereign country; its government and leaders are acting in a sovereign manner,” he added.

He said Hungary’s government prioritised national interests in foreign relations.

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Orbán said it was “inevitable” that, besides economic matters, European security issues would be on the summit’s agenda. “Hungary’s stance is clear: we have an interest in maintaining peace,” he said. As Hungary is a member of NATO and the EU,

Orbán said he regularly consulted with the country’s allies “before every such meeting”.

“I have already started the talks, and these will continue in the coming days. I am going to Moscow after having consulted with NATO, the EU, and key politicians of the EU presidency,” he said.

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Source: MTI