Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó said Orbán and Putin discussed prospects for bilateral relations and the future of Hungarian-Russian energy co-operation.

In his Friday morning radio interview, Orbán said it must be acknowledged that the file on the South Stream gas pipeline is closed, but it remains in Hungary’s interest to have a gas pipeline that avoids Ukraine.

“If the Russians have decided to scrap it, it is not worth while for us to beg to have it implemented”, he remarked.

He added that the EU has been working tirelessly to torpedo the project.

As for alternatives, Orbán said a strategic agreement between Hungary and Azerbaijan provides an opportunity for Hungary.

Asked if there is a scenario in case Russia withdraws from expanding the Paks nuclear power plant, Orbán said every treaty is signed by at least two parties, and if one opts out, then it will not be implemented.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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