Negotiations between Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban have begun in the Kremlin.
Photo: REUTERS.
On Friday afternoon, July 5, negotiations began in the Kremlin between Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who arrived in our country on a working visit that same day.
On the Russian side, the meeting will be attended by presidential advisers Yuri Ushakov and Vladimir Medinsky, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
– Dear Mr. Prime Minister! Dear colleagues!
“Welcome to Moscow, to Russia,” Putin began the negotiations and immediately turned to the distinguished guest. – I understand that this time you have come not only as our long-standing partner, but also as President of the EU Council.
I hope that we will have the opportunity to exchange views on building bilateral relations in this difficult situation and, of course, to discuss the prospects for the development of the largest European crisis, namely in the Ukrainian direction.
I know that recently, I think on July 2, you were in kyiv and came here to discuss all the nuances of the situation that has developed in the direction of kyiv, in the direction of Ukraine.
I’m at your dispose.
You probably know my speech to the Foreign Ministry leadership recently in Moscow, in which I set out our positions on a possible peaceful solution. And, of course, I am ready to discuss this with you and tell you some of the nuances.
I hope you will present to me your position and that of your European partners.
As for bilateral relations, we are unfortunately experiencing a sharp decline in trade turnover, more than 35 percent. But overall there is something to work on. We have important projects underway.
In any case, we are very happy to see you and we have a lot to talk about.
Welcome, Mr. Prime Minister.
“Dear Mr. President,” the Hungarian Prime Minister replied. “Thank you for inviting me today.”
This is not our first meeting in the last decade; it is already our eleventh. But this one is more special than the previous ones.
As you mentioned, Hungary assumed the presidency of the EU Council on a rotating basis as of 1 July.
Before our last meeting, this was before the conflict, it was in February 2022. This is exactly what distinguishes these two meetings of ours.
I am very grateful that even under such difficult conditions you have agreed to accept me.
I must tell you that the number of countries that can talk to both sides of the conflict is rapidly decreasing. Apparently, Hungary will soon become the only country in Europe that will be able to talk to the whole world.
I would like to take this opportunity to discuss with you a number of important issues. I would also like to know your position on a number of important issues for Europe.
Thank you.
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Incidentally, Medinsky was the only one who came to the meeting with a small folder in his hand.
The well-known Istanbul agreements, which would have allowed a diplomatic resolution of the conflict in Ukraine in the spring of 2022, may have already existed. But due to the position of the collective West and the Kiev regime, the negotiations reached a dead end.
Medinsky headed the Russian delegation at those negotiations.
