The head of American diplomacy said at a press conference with Viktor Orbán that the good personal relations between the heads of state of both countries determine Hungarian-American relations. “President Trump is very committed to your success, because your success is also our success and is in our interest for the coming years.”
Marco Rubio pointed out that the temporary exemption from U.S. sanctions against Russian energy sources also serves the prosperity of the Hungarian economy.
As long as Viktor Orbán is at the helm of Hungary, it is in our national interest for Hungary to do well.”
He added: “The exemption is solely the result of the relationship between the two heads of state and the cooperation between the two countries, and that will remain the case.”
The U.S. Secretary of State thanked Viktor Orbán for “having done so much for peace. Your geopolitical role is also indispensable in the Middle East.”
Responding to a journalist’s question, Marco Rubio emphasized that every nation decides according to its own interests, “and if the Hungarian prime minister does not serve Hungarian interests, he will not remain prime minister for long. But who will represent Hungary’s interests if he does not?”
“When our national interests align with those of others, we can build amazing partnerships, as is currently the case with Hungary. Everyone has to deal with their own geographical, historical, and economic circumstances, as well as the challenges of the future,” said Marco Rubio. He pointed out that he did not know what the future of Hungary would look like, as this was up to the voters.
He also said that Donald Trump would like to visit Hungary, and that the visit by the Secretary of State showed how important these relations were.
Last year, Trump and Orbán also agreed at their summit meeting that Hungary would purchase small modular nuclear power plants from the U.S.
If all of them are built, the value could reach up to $20 billion, but if only five are needed, this amount will be halved.
An agreement was reached with the American company Westinghouse on the supply of American nuclear fuel for the Hungarian nuclear power plant Paks I.
The value of the agreement amounts to approximately $114 million.
Hungary has committed to purchasing American liquefied natural gas, thereby further diversifying its energy sources. The value of the contracts is expected to be nearly $600 million.
Péter Szijjártó with Marco Rubio. Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
During the negotiations in Washington, it was also agreed to provide Hungary with a financial shield.
This means not only money, but also credibility, coordination, and guarantees that will protect the Hungarian economy from speculative attacks.
However, Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán were unable to agree on the abolition of double taxation. Since the beginning of 2024, the double taxation agreement between Hungary and the United States, which was concluded more than 45 years ago, is no longer in force.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio To Visit Budapest and Bratislava in February
The statement also emphasized that the talks will also focus on deepening the energy partnership between Hungary and the United States.Continue reading
Via MTI, Világgazdaság; Featured image: MTI/Miniszterelnöki Kommunikációs Főosztály/Fischer Zoltán
The post Marco Rubio to Viktor Orbán: “Your Success Is Also Our Success” appeared first on Hungary Today.
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