Hungary FM Speaks to Russian State News Agency

In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS following the Atomexpo-2024 forum, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto outlined Hungary’s stance on resolving the Ukrainian crisis and addressed rumors about postponing the construction of the Paks 2 nuclear power plant.

At the international ATOMEXPO-2024 in Sochi, Russia, on March 25, 2024. (Photo: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via AFP)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meets with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto while at the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting in Skopje, North Macedonia (Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP Handout)

It is obvious and self-evident for us that we need to keep in touch with the Russian leadership. I myself am in contact with my colleagues: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Alexander Novak and Deputy Prime Minister for Industry and Trade Denis Manturov. So when high-level talks are needed, we are absolutely open,

confirmed Peter Szijjarto.

In the interview, the Foreign Minister said that Hungary has not changed the methodology behind the visa issuing process for Russian tourists the FM said, adding that "We do not discriminate against Russian citizens in this way. Hungary is a wonderful place. We have a long tradition of welcoming Russian visitors in the areas of health, tourism, sports and various conferences. There is nothing in the way, so of course Russians are welcome," the FM said. 

Cover photo: International Atomexpo-2024 Forum in Sochi (Photo: Anadolu via AFP/Ercin Erturk)