Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said the visit of US Vice President JD Vance marks the beginning of a new golden age in relations between Hungary and the United States.
Speaking in Budapest on Tuesday following Vance’s arrival, Szijjártó noted that it had been 35 years since a US vice president last visited Hungary, and that no visit at this level had taken place since 2006. He said the trip reflects a significant shift in bilateral ties.
The minister said relations have taken on a new quality since Donald Trump returned to office, adding that closer cooperation is expected to bring tangible benefits for Hungarian citizens and families.
Szijjártó emphasized the importance of personal ties in the US presidential system, highlighting the relationship between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Trump as a key factor behind the improved partnership.
He cited practical outcomes of the cooperation, including Hungary’s reinstatement in the US visa waiver framework, allowing travellers to enter the United States without applying for a visa, and continued access to what he described as affordable Russian energy supplies with US approval.
The minister said these developments help preserve Hungary’s household utility cost reduction measures, arguing that without them, energy bills could be significantly higher. He added that this is particularly important as Europe faces a potential energy shortage and rising prices.
Szijjártó contrasted US and European Union approaches to energy policy, describing the former as pragmatic and the latter as driven by ideological considerations. He said Hungary’s energy security depends on maintaining both western and eastern supply routes.
He also highlighted growing economic cooperation, noting that bilateral trade reached a record level last year, surpassing 10 billion dollars for the first time. US investments in Hungary also hit a new high, with 16 projects valued at a combined 200 billion forints.
According to the minister, momentum has continued this year, with trade increasing by more than 50 per cent so far and six new US investment projects announced in recent weeks, worth a total of 100 billion forints.
Szijjártó said talks with Vance would include a restricted meeting followed by a plenary session involving a wider delegation. Discussions are expected to cover issues such as migration policy, family policy, global peace and European security, as well as economic and energy cooperation.
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