Hungary will conclude a major nuclear energy agreement with the United States, under which the country will, for the first time in its history, purchase American nuclear fuel and technology for storing spent fuel for its Russian-built nuclear power plant in Paks.

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said the deal is intended to help Hungary meet its growing energy needs. He also confirmed that the cooperation includes small modular reactors.

The move comes at a time when Budapest continues to maintain close ties with Moscow, despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Paks nuclear power plant, which is currently being expanded by the Russian company Rosatom, remains a key element of Hungary’s energy infrastructure.

(reuters, lup)