- A balanced economic relationship is the most important right now, so I would like to achieve in the negotiations that in this difficult time, burdened by energy price increases, the negotiated gas volume in Russian-Hungarian relations is increased for the sake of Hungary's security, Viktor Orbán said last week on Kossuth radio. regarding his visit to Moscow today.

The Hungarian Prime Minister has not met Vladimir Putin , as the coronavirus epidemic put an end to the meetings.

However, the negotiations are once again timely, especially with regard to the energy crisis that has developed in Europe, for which Hungary's long-term solution is the import of Russian gas and the construction of two new reactors at the Paks nuclear power plant.

As Péter Szijjártó told our newspaper in an interview last week: the long-term gas purchase agreement was concluded at a good price, taking into account the results of the overhead reduction, the gas comes from Russia via two routes, in a technologically reliable way.

During today's negotiations, it may be discussed that they can expand transportation on the southern route by one billion cubic meters per year.

The Hungarian government wants to move the construction of the Paks nuclear power plant into the construction phase in the first half of 2022. - We can be self-sufficient in the field of electricity supply by the end of this decade, we will be able to prevent 17 million tons of harmful emissions every year - Péter Szijjártó drew attention to the benefits of the project on his Facebook page. - We just smile at the position others have maneuvered themselves into with their hypocritical energy policy - the minister explained to our paper, also pointing out that Hungary does not trade with other countries on an ideological basis, "a pragmatic, normal relationship based on mutual respect must be maintained with the Russians". .

Viktor Orbán also rejected the opposition's suggestion that "Putin sent the Hungarian Prime Minister to him in Moscow."

– Hungary is a sovereign country and its government and leaders behave in a sovereign manner. The government always keeps national interests in mind in foreign relations, he said on Kossuth radio. The bilateral negotiations also receive special international attention from the point of view that the Western powers accuse Russia of preparing for a military offensive against Ukraine. Viktor Orbán emphasized: - Hungary's position is completely clear, we are interested in peace, but I will go to Moscow in such a way that I will consult with both NATO and the European Union, as well as the politicians who determine the presidency of the union.

You can read the entire article in Magyar Nemzet

Photo: MTI/Zoltán Máthé