Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, Budapest, August 24, 2021

Thank you, Peter.

Dear friends.

It is really nice to be here again. We appreciate our relationship, which is growing. We have noted the political dialogue between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which is very intense and useful. We are promoting a dialogue at the level of foreign ministries and the Russian‒Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which is very successful. Our governments also work closely with each other, which helps promote mutually beneficial cooperation in so many areas.

You mentioned our interaction in the context of fighting the coronavirus. We have managed to achieve some good results, as you said. We have already resumed direct flights, which is good for business, people and cultural exchanges.

Certainly, we appreciate our cooperation on international issues, both European and global. We always find acceptable solutions because both Russia and Hungary are guided by national interests and the interests of their peoples. As long as national interests remain a priority for our partners, I believe we can achieve good results together, for our nations, economies and security.

Once again, thank you very much for your invitation and hospitality. And thank you for inviting me to address the meeting of Hungarian ambassadors and permanent representatives abroad.

It is a very honourable gesture. I appreciate it.