Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has acknowledged regular contact with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, including during meetings of EU foreign ministers. Speaking at an event in Keszthely on Monday evening, he confirmed that he communicates with Lavrov, describing it as a normal part of diplomacy.
He said EU decisions in areas such as energy, the automotive industry and security have a direct impact on Hungary’s relations with partners outside the bloc. ‘I talk not only with the Russian foreign minister, but also with American, Turkish, Israeli or Serbian partners before and after EU Council meetings,’ he said.
He also denied on social media that he had breached security rules. According to him, classified information is not discussed at ministerial level, and he dismissed claims of protocol violations as nonsense.
The European Commission said media reports about the calls were worrying and urged Budapest to provide an explanation. EU member states are bound by the principle of loyal cooperation and the confidentiality of negotiations.
