Talks between Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban in the Kremlin. The main thing

On Friday, November 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban discussed the situation around Ukraine and bilateral relations at talks in the Kremlin. The main statements of the leaders of the two countries are in the material of Izvestia.

On relations between Russia and Hungary and cooperation with Orban

Relations between Russia and Hungary are based on pragmatism and a pragmatic approach to the development of bilateral ties, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Today, the countries' relations are based on the best of what was in our relations and on pragmatism, a pragmatic approach to the development of bilateral ties," the president said.

Speaking about his relationship with Orban, Putin stressed that they can talk openly, which makes it possible to seek solutions to any problems.

"We have developed an atmosphere that allows us to talk openly and discuss any issues. This gives us the opportunity not only to talk, but also to seek solutions to any problems," the head of state said during the Russian—Hungarian talks.

On trade between Russia and Hungary and energy resources

The trade turnover between Russia and Hungary has increased slightly this year, Putin said at a meeting with Orban after a recession last year.

"Last year, there was a 23% decrease in the trade turnover between Russia and Hungary. Nevertheless, we have good prospects, and this year we are seeing some growth, small and modest, but still more than 7%," the Russian leader said.

In turn, the Hungarian Prime Minister said that Budapest appreciates the stability of energy supplies from the Russian Federation and is interested in continuing dialogue on this issue.

"I would like to emphasize that the basis of Hungary's energy security is... stable energy supplies in the past, now and in the future. We highly value the stability and predictability of Russian supplies. Hungary is interested in maintaining an energy dialogue with your country," Orban said.

The Hungarian prime minister added that at the meeting with Putin he intends to discuss the topic of energy cooperation with Moscow, adding that the country is fully feeling the impact of the Ukrainian conflict and is suffering significant economic losses.

"Ukraine is Hungary's neighbor. Hungary is fully feeling the impact of the Ukrainian conflict on itself, including suffering significant economic losses. Because economic cooperation is blocked by military actions. This is true both for Europe and for us," Orban said.

On the negotiations between Russia and the United States

Vladimir Putin did not rule out that the negotiations between Russia and the United States would lead to a summit in Budapest.

"If during our negotiations with the United States it comes to using the Budapest site, I will be very happy about it," the Russian leader said.

Earlier, Orban said that the next two to three weeks would be crucial, and after reactions to the US 28-point plan for Ukraine, it would become clear whether the Russia-US summit in Budapest was approaching.

The Russian President also thanked the Hungarian Prime Minister for his position on a possible Russia-US summit in Budapest.

"Thank you for responding so much to a possible meeting between me and the President of the United States in your country. If during our negotiations it comes to using the Budapest site, I will also be very happy about it and I want to thank you for your willingness to assist," Putin said.

In turn, Viktor Orban expressed hope that the recently announced initiatives on Ukraine would lead to peace.

"We hope that the recently announced peace initiatives will eventually lead to this very peace," he said.

About the Russian-US summit in Budapest

Speaking about the proposal to hold a summit between Russia and the United States in Budapest, Putin said that US President Donald Trump said that both the United States and Russia have good relations with Hungary.

"It was Donald's suggestion. He immediately said, “We have good relations with Hungary, you and Viktor have good relations, and I suggest this option.” Of course, we will gladly agree," the Russian head of state said.

The Russian side was pleased to agree with the US proposal to hold a summit in Budapest, the president summed up.