On the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov. On the Hungarian side, the meeting was also attended by Hungary’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia Norbert Konkoly.
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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Minister, Mr Ambassador,
I am very pleased to see you.
(Addressing.) You chair the intergovernmental commission on the Hungarian side, and it is working actively. You visit Russia frequently. I am aware of your efforts to maintain the momentum in our relations, despite the well-known challenge, though we will not dwell on that now.
Unfortunately, our trade turnover has declined somewhat: last year, I believe, it decreased by 13 percent. Nevertheless, overall, our relations remain stable and are developing positively. I am referring, in particular, to energy policy issues, including hydrocarbons and our flagship project – the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.
Regarding hydrocarbons, I understand that this must concern you, primarily oil supplies. We see what is happening now in global gas markets, including in European gas markets. We will be happy to discuss all these matters. Whatever depends on us – we have always fulfilled all our obligations – and, of course, we intend and are prepared to continue doing so.
Not everything depends on us, but, I reiterate, we have always been reliable suppliers. You are aware of this, and I have noted your public statements on the matter. Just yesterday, I spoke with [Hungary’s] Prime Minister Viktor Orbán about certain issues.
I am really glad to see you.
Peter Szijjarto (retranslated): Mr President, colleagues,
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you. I understand that we are going through a very tense time on the international stage.
We, Hungarians, are concerned about every war and every conflict. Our country’s energy security is of paramount importance, and therefore we do not want to be drawn into war, armed confrontation, or an energy war.
As you, Mr President, and you, Mr Minister, know, Ukraine has been blocking supplies through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary for several weeks. The oil shipments have been halted as a result of this political decision. That is why we are interested in ensuring that gas and other hydrocarbon supplies continue reliably and steadily, as they have until now.
As you have mentioned, I have come to obtain assurances and confirmation that even in these difficult and conflict-ridden times, the hydrocarbons, natural gas, and oil that Hungary needs will remain available and will continue to be delivered to our country.
This is utterly important for Hungary, because access to oil and natural gas allows us to keep utility costs low. This issues is of critical importance for us.
If oil and natural gas are not supplied to Hungary, utility prices will go up significantly. Therefore, the Druzhba pipeline and other gas and oil supply routes are crucial to us.
The war in Ukraine has now lasted four years. The conflict has also led to the mobilisation of Hungarian citizens. Many are missing, and some have been taken captive. We would therefore like to ask whether you could consider releasing certain Hungarian prisoners of war currently held by Russian forces.
Thank you very much for your patience and attention.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Minister, during our telephone conversation yesterday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also raised this issue and asked me to consider releasing Hungarian citizens held by the Russian army. These individuals hold dual citizenship – Ukrainian and Hungarian – and were forcibly conscripted.
I have decided to release two individuals. As the Prime Minister requested, you may take them with you on the aircraft in which you arrived and will return to Budapest.
Peter Szijjarto (in Russian): Thank you very much. Thank you.
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