Cyprus News Agency

According to a statement by the Russian Presidency, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto at the Kremlin.

The meeting was also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Presidential Advisor Yuri Ushakov and Hungary’s Ambassador to Russia Norbert Konkoly.

In his speech, Putin said: “Unfortunately, our trade volume has decreased slightly: I think it fell by about 13 percent last year. Nevertheless, overall our relations remain stable and are developing in a positive direction. I am referring in particular to energy policy issues, including hydrocarbons and our flagship project, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.”

Stating that they will continue to fulfill their obligations, Putin said: “We see what is currently happening in global gas markets, including European gas markets. We would be pleased to discuss all these issues. In everything that depends on us – we have always fulfilled all our obligations – and of course we intend to continue doing so and we are ready to do so.”

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said: “I came to receive assurance and confirmation that the hydrocarbons Hungary needs – natural gas and oil – will continue to be supplied and delivered to our country. This is extremely important for Hungary, because access to oil and natural gas allows us to keep energy costs low. This issue is extremely important for us.”