Planned visits by Merkel, Putin testify to Hungary’s significance, says FM Szijjarto

Budapest, January 15 (MTI) – Upcoming visits to Hungary by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin testify to the country’s significance, and one should not be seen in contradistinction to the other, Peter Szijjarto, the foreign minister, said in an interview published by the daily Magyar Hirlap on Thursday.

Szijjarto ridiculed opposition remarks suggesting that Merkel’s visit was intended “to restore order” in Hungary. Germany is one of Hungary’s most important political and economic partners, and her visit reflects this, he added.

The date of Putin’s visit in the spring is still being finalised, he said. The Ukraine situation will certainly be on the agenda of the talks and Hungary’s position is that mutual respect of the Minsk agreement is the only way forward to peace, he added.

It is important to revive links between the European Union and Russia, based on partnership and respect for international law, he said.