Russia understands that as a NATO and EU member state Hungary has to fulfil its obligations arising from the alliance, however, the country also has to defend its own interests – Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov said after meeting Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Russian leader of diplomacy underlined that Russia never had the impression Hungary created an anti-Russian atmosphere or tried to force such an attitude on other member states of the NATO or the EU. Sergey Lavrov also talked about Hungary reinforcing its will to construct the section of the South Stream going through the country.
Hungary hopes that the EU and Russia will soon resume negotiations on matters concerning the pipeline transporting Russian gas bypassing Ukraine to a number of European countries, Péter Szijjártó said.
Minister Szijjártó emphasized that Hungary regards Russia as an important partner that plays a significant role in the energy supply of Central Europe. “We are pleased that we can cooperate in order to enhance the energy security in the region” – he added.
He also highlighted that Hungary is interested in the reestablishment of a practical and constructive cooperation between Europe and Russia – as he also said at the discussions held with the Russian co-chair of the Hungarian-Russian joint committee, Nikolaj Fjdorov.
He also noted that as a result of the negations of German Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank Walter Steinmeier held on Tuesday in Moscow, Hungary expects the return of effective cooperation in the relation of the EU and Moscow.
At the joint press conference of the two ministers, Péter Szijjártó also pointed out that Hungary stands up for the territorial unity and sovereignty of Ukraine. All parties have to abide by the Minsk agreements, he said. This was the first time that he has visited Russia since taking up his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Prior to his trip to Moscow he consulted with his German counterpart.