Amid growing uncertainty in regional energy supply, Hungary and Serbia have decided to take matters into their own hands by constructing a joint oil pipeline connecting the two countries. According to Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, the investment is valued at approximately $350 million.
US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Robert Palladino appears determined to restore US–Hungary relations following the turbulent tenure of his predecessor, David Pressman. The senior American diplomat began the week with high-level bilateral meetings—first with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, followed by political director to the Hungarian Prime Minister Balázs Orbán.
Hungary and India are set to strengthen their ties with the launch of Wizz Air’s direct Budapest–Mumbai flight this year, operating daily. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó announced the development in New Delhi, highlighting its potential to boost trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin agreed on a partial ceasefire and the immediate launch of a new round of talks to end the war in Ukraine. The current deal applies to energy and infrastructure on both sides. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó welcomed the news, warning the EU not to undermine the peace process.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó stated that Hungary firmly rejects Ukraine’s fast-track EU accession, especially if it comes at the expense of the Transcarpathian Hungarian community. For the past ten years, Kyiv has gradually curtailed the rights of national minorities, including Transcarpathian Hungarians.
According to reporting by POLITICO, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó of Hungary to have the Hungarian government lift its veto on the renewal of sanctions on Russia by the EU. Hungary eventually did refrain from using its veto power, and thus the sanctions have been renewed for another six months.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó described the ongoing protests in Serbia as an attempted ‘colour revolution’ aimed at destabilizing the region. He further stated that foreign-backed colour revolutions in recent years have all ended in tragedy, expressing gratitude to US President Donald Trump for ending Washington’s policy of meddling in other nations’ domestic affairs.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó pointed out that the sudden shift of EU leaders on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine is ‘politically ridiculous’ and highlights their lack of credibility. However, it also raises the question of responsibility for Brussels’ failed strategy over the past three years.
Hungary’s Opening to the East strategy has been one of the country’s most significant economic achievements over the past 15 years, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó. Speaking in Budapest, he stressed that Hungary rejects an economic cold war and has greatly benefited from East–West cooperation.
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has given a speech at the United Nations’ Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Switzerland. In it, he pointed out that Hungary has been saying for the last three years that only a Russian–American agreement can bring peace to Europe again, which is exactly what is happening now; and called on ‘pro-war leaders’ of the world not to obstruct the peace talks with Moscow.