British News Agency

During the Russia–Hungary talks, Putin said: “We have developed an atmosphere where we can speak openly and discuss any issue. This gives us not only the chance to talk but also the opportunity to seek solutions to all problems.”

Putin stated that after last year’s decline in trade volume between Russia and Hungary, this year has shown a slight increase: “Last year, trade between Russia and Hungary fell by 23 percent. Nevertheless, we have good expectations. This year we see growth of over 7 percent, small and modest though it may be.”

The Hungarian Prime Minister emphasized that Budapest values the stability of energy supplies coming from Russia and wishes to continue the dialogue on this matter.

Orban said: “I would like to emphasize that the basis of Hungary’s energy security in the past, present, and future is stable energy sources. We attach great importance to the stability and predictability of Russian resources. Hungary is interested in continuing its energy dialogue with your country.”

Vladimir Putin did not rule out the possibility of a Russia–United States summit being held in Budapest.

He said: “If our negotiations with the United States lead to using Budapest as a platform, I would be very pleased.”

Viktor Orban expressed hope that the recently announced initiatives regarding Ukraine would lead to peace: “We hope that the recently announced peace initiatives will ultimately lead to peace.”

Speaking about the proposal to host a Russia–United States summit in Budapest, Putin stated that U.S. President Donald Trump had mentioned that both the U.S. and Russia have good relations with Hungary.

“This was Donald’s proposal. He immediately said: ‘We have good relations with Hungary, you have good relations with Viktor, and so do I, so I propose this option.’ Of course, we would gladly accept it,” said the Russian leader.

Putin added: “The Russian side gladly welcomed the U.S. proposal to hold the summit in Budapest.”