Orban seeks flexible contract on Russian gas

Budapest, February 4 (MTI) – Hungary needs to conclude a flexible agreement with Russia concerning gas supplies, one whose term can be extended, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told commercial HirTV on Wednesday.

The agreement, which will replace the current one expiring this year, should be negotiated with respect to uncertainties around oil and gas prices in the long run, Orban said in an interview ahead of a meeting of deputies of the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrat parties in Mezokovesd.

The government’s utility price reduction programme cannot be maintained unless such a flexible agreement is achieved, he said.

On the subject of European Union-Russia ties Orban said that Hungary should seek to maintain the “most fair and balanced relations possible” with Russia. He added that this was his reason for inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin for a visit to Budapest later this month.