?? Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto (Moscow, December 9, 2025)

?? On November 28, 2025, our respective Leaders held productive and useful talks. You and I took part in them. Indeed, this was a very useful conversation between the two leaders considering their commitment to focusing on the national interests of their people and states. They act in a pragmatic and rational manner.

All the existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms have been operating in a dynamic and effective manner. I am certain that today’s meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation will make a meaningful contribution to further strengthening our mutually beneficial ties.

Of course, illegal sanctions constitute a serious obstacle in this regard. It is our so-called 'Western colleagues', in this case the European Commission’s leadership, who have been imposing these sanctions. However, despite all these challenges, trade has been increasing, which is attributable to efforts by the corresponding agencies in Russia and Hungary.

The flagship project to build the Paks NPP, the new blocks of this grand undertaking. is steadily advancing. Overall, electric power industry plays a primary role in our relations, and this sector has been generating sustained positive momentum.

Of course, we are satisfied with the way we have been working together in culture and on the human dimension of our relations. Only recently, Hungary hosted yet another Russian Music Festival devoted to Sergey Rakhmaninov’s creative legacy. There were also the Days of Russian Spiritual Culture.

Our contacts in sports have benefited from a renewed impetus. In this domain, we are the ones advocating and asserting the ideals of the Olympic movement and the sports world in general, while overcoming illegal restrictions against athletes. These restrictions are driven by political and ideological considerations.

The Leaders of our two countries could not fail to mention international developments during their conversation. This was 10 days ago, and since then there have been several events.

I am certain that we will exchange views on the way the situation is expected to evolve regarding efforts on the Ukraine settlement issue.

?? I know that Hungary, just like the Russian Federation, views strengthening European security and making it reliable and dependable as one of its core missions. The security framework which has emerged from the Cold War is facing a serious test. It goes without saying that we must revive the principles of equality, mutual respect and indivisible security.

There is another essential matter for both Russia and Hungary since they view it as one of the inevitable conditions for the Ukraine settlement process. I am referring to reviving international standards for protecting ethnic minorities.

We are ready to share the way we view the developments and contacts which took place after President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban.

I know that our Hungarian friends are keeping a close eye on all these developments. As usual, I am eager to learn what you think about this, and I believe that it will be quite useful.

???????? #RussiaHungary