Hungary seeks to strengthen economic ties with Russia, says foreign minister

As reported by Politico, Szijjártó emphasized that while Hungary must comply with European sanctions legislation, the country openly seeks to expand economic cooperation with Moscow in all areas that are allowed.

“Apart from the fact that we do not like the sanctions regime — although there are European rules that we have to comply with — we are very open about our desire to improve economic relations between Russia and Hungary in all areas that are not affected by sanctions,” Szijjártó said on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

To support his statement, the minister referenced the recent meeting of the Hungarian-Russian Economic Cooperation Committee in Budapest, which was attended by Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko. He also noted a parallel business forum featuring 173 entrepreneurs from both countries.

“For me, this shows that there is not only a political desire to improve economic relations, but business also wants this,” he said.

Politico noted that Hungary’s vocal opposition to EU sanctions against Russia and its interest in strengthening economic ties with Moscow have raised concerns within the EU, leading to tensions between Brussels and Budapest.

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