The government has recently come under fire from opposition parties for its alleged dealings with Pharaon. Kontrát denied claims that Pharaon had purchased a property in Hungary. He also clarified that Pharaon had not purchased a residency bond but rather applied for a Hungarian visa.

Pharaon’s visa request was also entered into the Schengen visa information system, Kontrát said, adding that no European Union member state had complained about his application. The paper notes that Ghaith Pharaon has business interests in countries ranging from Georgia to Pakistan.

Magyar Idők added that in spite of the fact that Pharaon is wanted by the US, the Pentagon in 2008 signed a 120 million dollar deal with a Pakistani-based company connected to the Saudi businessman to supply fuel to US military bases in Afghanistan.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Bruzák Noémi