Rubio conveys Trump’s full support for Hungary's Orban, says bilateral ties are entering "golden age"
Bilateral relations with Hungary are entering a "golden age", and Washington would be willing to help Budapest financially if needed, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told his Hungarian host at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Viktor Orban on February 16 in Budapest.
Rubio arrived from Bratislava after attending the Munich Security Conference over the weekend and received a warm welcome at the Carmelite Monastery, the seat of the prime minister.
At a joint press conference with Orban, the US chief diplomat said the new golden era between the two countries was due to the strong relationship between Orban and Trump.
"Hungary’s success is also our success. It is because we want you to continue, want this economy to prosper, and want this country to do well. It’s in our national interest. Especially as long as you’re the prime minister and the leader of this country, it’s in our national interest that Hungary be successful," he added.
When asked about whether ties would remain strong in case of a change of government, Rubio said the outcome of Hungary's election was up to the voters but praised Orban's "extraordinarily strong" relationship with the US, saying it had "tangible benefits" for bilateral ties and "strong personal ties between the two leaders had significantly shaped bilateral relations".
Trump has already publicly endorsed Orban, calling him "a truly strong and powerful leader" in a social media post last week, after the Hungarian prime minister had steadfastly supported him in every election since 2016.
In his opening remarks, the Hungarian premier described the meeting with Rubio as cordial, friendly and substantive, noting that the visit had been agreed during his visit to Washington last November.
Since Trump’s inauguration, 17 new US investments have been launched in Hungary, the visa programme was restored, and Hungary has been invited to join Trump's Peace Council initiative. Orban cited achievements over the last 13 months, adding that he would travel to Washington on February 19 to sign the accession declaration.
Rubio and Orban signed energy agreements that extend to crude, gas and nuclear. Those agreements, together with an exemption allowing Hungary to use Russian oil and gas, contribute to the country's energy security and keep prices affordable for households and businesses, Orban said, adding that talks also evolved around the acquisition of Serbian oil company NIS by its Hungarian peer MOL, but he did not provide more detail.
MOL plans to buy out the majority Russian stake in the company. The deal still requires approval from Washington, which is expected to be a formality.
No new details emerged on the nuclear energy deal, but based on earlier reports, Hungary committed to acquire SMR technology from the US for $20bn. Under the agreements signed last November, Budapest will also be buying $600mn in LNG to diversify its energy supplies and $700mn in military equipment.
After returning from the White House, Orban said he had reached a financial agreement with Trump. Later, his economy minister said this financial arrangement could include a swap agreement, credit lines, and infrastructure financing, designed to strengthen Hungary’s financial stability and provide a shield in times of crisis.
Rubio cordially offered Washington’s help to its ally if needed. "When you face financial difficulties, we are ready to provide assistance. Especially while you serve as prime minister, it is in America’s national interest to maintain strong relations between our two countries, and we appreciate your efforts in furtherance of peace. Your geopolitical role is indispensable," Rubio added.
Asked by CBS News, the secretary of ctate said Hungary’s exemption from US sanctions on Russian energy imports was the result of direct talks between the two leaders, calling it a product of their strong personal ties. He declined to speculate on the future of bilateral relations in the event of a change of government in Hungary. Earlier, Rubio contradicted the government’s claims, saying the exemption was not permanent but valid for one year.
Rubio also addressed questions concerning Hungary’s relations with China, saying every nation pursues its own national interests and that the United States did not expect partners to isolate themselves from other countries.
Analysts commented that the US diplomat was fully aligned with the Hungarian position in these two cases, without having to confront sensitive issues. Independent media also notes that Washington’s open support for Orban in the election appeared to go beyond diplomatic norms.
Analysts said the prime minister is likely to leverage his close relationship with Trump for PR, portraying himself as the reliable leader welcomed by big global players. in the final stretch of what is shaping up to be a closely contested election campaign.
Erik Toth, the research director at the government-funded think-tank, the Centre for Fundamental Rights, also highlighted the political fallout from Rubio's visits and Trump's endorsement. Toth said he believed that the endorsement adheres to diplomatic norms and shows that the current US administration intends to continue close cooperation with the Orban government.
At the press conference, Orban said Hungary remained ready to host a future peace summit if one were to take place. He added that his invitation for Trump to visit Hungary still stands.
When asked whether the US leader would visit Hungary in the near future, Rubio said he could not confirm such plans.
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