Hungary calls bilateral cooperation with Russia beneficial

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on July 27 that cooperation with Russia remains an important and mutually beneficial area of Budapest's foreign policy.

"We have a very honest relationship based on mutual respect. Obviously, this bilateral cooperation with Russia is beneficial to Hungary," Szijjarto said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

The Minister stressed that this bilateral cooperation is beneficial for Hungary, especially in the energy sector. Szijjarto noted that without the supply of Russian energy resources, the country would not have been able to maintain one of the lowest utility tariffs in Europe for the population. He added that an honest exchange of views and constant contact with Russian partners is an important basis for such relations.

He also described the interaction with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as professional and based on many years of personal acquaintance.

"We know each other well. Of course, we can turn to each other, and, you know, in Europe I will be criticized for saying that I have good relations with Minister Lavrov, but why would I lie about it," Szijjarto concluded.

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Szijjarto announced on July 21 that Hungary, Serbia and Russia had discussed the construction of a new oil pipeline to supply oil from Russia.

Before that, in April, he announced that the construction of the oil pipeline between Hungary and Serbia would be completed in 2028. Szijjarto stressed that through this oil pipeline Hungary will be able to provide raw materials to the Serbian oil refinery in Pancevo, which plays a key role in the country's energy supply.

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