The minister of foreign affairs and trade stated that Serbia would be willing to facilitate the transit of gas supplies to Hungary in the event that Ukraine decides to terminate its previous agreement, through which Russian gas is currently supplied to Hungary via Ukraine.
Péter Szijjártó emphasized the significance of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s discussions with the leaders of Turkmenistan, Serbia, the Bosnian Serb Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye. He also highlighted the importance of fostering strong collaboration with central Asia and the Western Balkans. In addition, he mentioned that these relationships greatly contribute to Hungary’s security in various aspects.
He said, “We are in dire need of this security when crises cast a shadow over the daily life of European countries… Close cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and the Western Balkans will help us face the repercussions of those crises.” Szijjártó stressed that “fair cooperation with Russia regarding natural gas supplies will help ensure energy security in Hungary.” He added that these supplies largely reach Hungary via Ukraine, but “reports are coming in these days that Ukraine wants to terminate the transit agreement with Russia.” Szijjártó said that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is on a working visit to Hungary, “made it clear that if Hungary wants to increase its gas imports through Serbia, it will guarantee the necessary shipping capacities.” “Once again, the construction of the TurkStream pipeline proved to be a strategically important decision,” Szijjártó said. Szijjártó also referred to Turkmenistan’s “political decision” to make Hungary “a destination for potential gas shipments to Europe.” He added, “A political agreement has been signed and it is now up to the companies to negotiate a commercial agreement.”