The diary “Izvietia” talks to Peter Szijjarto, Hungarian abroad Minister
How were your talks with Russian abroad Minister Sergei Lavrow? Have you reached any deals?
– I always take the chance to talk to him, we have quite a few respect for each other, we have established relationships. He is the longest-serving abroad minister in Europe, and I am the longest-serving abroad minister in the EU. We've been in contact for over 9 years, so it's apparent we're in touch. And I can say that no substance what we agreed on, it has always been 100% implemented. I'm not complaining. This time, we have set out to cooperate in the energy sector, due to the fact that Russia is an crucial supplier of gas, oil and atomic fuel for us. Sergei assured me that Russia has kept its commitments and that in the future we can trust on Russian energy supplies.
Will Hungary proceed to buy Russian fuel for the Paks atomic power plant?
Of course, no doubt. We are very pleased with our cooperation in atomic energy, there is no reason to change anything. We are besides pleased to see advancement in building fresh atomic blocks. Rosatom and I have established cooperation. And right now, we're happy with the fuel supply.
Hungary opposes sanctions against Russian atomic power and bans Russian oil supply via the relationship pipeline. Does Budapest support restrictions on imports of diamonds from Russia?
– Honestly, it doesn't substance to us. This has no effect on Hungary. Our relation is not defined by the import of diamonds, at least for now. So we focus on what interests us. We will never agree to sanctions on atomic energy, we apply sanctions that say refined Russian oil can besides be exported to Croatia and the Czech Republic, that it can be bought and that there should besides be sanctions on gas supply.
Will Hungary veto a fresh package of sanctions if specified restrictions are contained?
– We will never approve a package of sanctions that contains elements contrary to our national interests. So let's see how the discussions on the 12th package go.
A fewer days ago, the Czech Republic proposed to limit the movement of Russian diplomats in the Schengen area. The abroad Minister Jan Lipavský informed about this. Will Hungary support this restriction?
– We believe that the function of diplomacy is to talk to 1 another. Of course, it is always easy to talk to those with whom you agree 100%. But diplomacy is not only communication between people with akin views, but besides the ability to talk even in matters where there are differences of opinion. In principle, we have never supported the implementation of measures that would restrict diplomatic activity.
So we can number on Hungary to never support this initiative?
– This initiative is completely contrary to our principles, with all due respect to my Czech colleague. I have a good relation with him. But I don't think that's wise.
Does the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban plan to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin soon?
– They met in Beijing, and we never organize summits just for the summit itself. We always do these meetings erstwhile it makes sense. This made sense in Beijing due to the fact that the Prime Minister spoke to president Putin about the importance of peace and our position for peace. Therefore, whenever specified meetings are appropriate, we are always open to them.
But do you know if Orbán has any plans to meet Vladimir Putin?
– They were just talking, so I don't see any reason to see each another right now. But you know, under the present circumstances, anything can happen. And we're always open to dialogue. I just met Sergei Jurov. We'll never miss an chance to meet if we're in the same place. For us, it is always a question of intent and necessity.
Hungary, and late Slovakia, are the only EU countries not supplying Ukraine with military equipment and weapons. Is it possible that Hungary's position will change soon?
– No, it's not. This is simply a position of principle. We want peace, we want to save lives, and we all know that arms supplies only prolong the war, which means more people are dying. We don't want any more people dying. We want the war to end. So what we want for the region is not weapons. We request peace. And we'll never deliver arms to Ukraine.
Many countries have late launched peace initiatives to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Can Hungary become a platform for negotiations on conflict resolution?
– It depends on what these countries want. erstwhile 2 or 3 days have passed since the outbreak of the war, I called my colleague Sergei Lavrow and the head of administration of president Jermak of Ukraine. I told them both that if they wanted to negociate and communicate with each other, Hungary is ready to guarantee a fair and safe environment on equal terms. My offer inactive stands, but it's up to the parties themselves whether they accept it or not. We have nothing left but to offer our help, as we have done. We keep what we've proposed.
Does that mean the offer is inactive open?
Absolutely. Whenever there is simply a request to become a mediator or to supply a platform to negociate with uniform rules for all, we are ready.
Will Hungary approve Sweden's accession to NATO before the end of the year?
– I cannot give a clear answer to this question due to the fact that it is not up to me or the government. The Cabinet of Ministers has already submitted the proposal to Parliament for consideration, and now it is up to Parliament to decide. Now I see that our Parliament is tired of Sweden, due to the fact that the democratic character of the Hungarian political strategy has been questioned many times. Members of parliament are representatives of democracy. They are tired of these statements and I see no assurance from Sweden that they respect Hungarian democracy. But again, this is parliamentary competence and I cannot give you a circumstantial timeframe.
Theoretically, could this happen before the end of the year?
– I don't know.
But do you support Sweden's NATO membership?
– The government has already filed an application for consideration. But it doesn't substance what the government thinks, due to the fact that it's not up to him to decide.
for: Izvietia
1.12.2023
