Government official discusses bilateral ties with US deputy security advisor

The talks took place as part of a series aiming to review “all issues in the relations between Hungary and the US that could take us closer to an agreement or to stating that there’s a disagreement, because even that is a step forward from total radio silence”, Magyar said.

Magyar said that despite differences in opinion, both parties sought peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.

The talks this time focused on Ukraine, and the differences in opinion on the way to peace, Magyar said. The US sees the solution in military support for Ukraine “and funding the war”, and Hungary is working to keep the front as far from its borders as possible, he said. “We think that the way there is through a ceasefire and peace talks as soon as possible.”

They also touched on issues regarding Hungary’s ties with China, a country the US saw as a global competitor while Hungary was focusing on the economic advantages of Chinese investment and economic cooperation, he said. “The government listens to the US stance but will shape its foreign policy according to Hungarian interests.”

Hungary’s government sees nothing in its cooperation with China that would “tangibly” harm fundamental US interests in areas such as national security, Magyar said.

The aim of the talks was to ensure that the two countries come closer or “at least don’t drift further apart than they already have”, Magyar said. “The beginning and the end of Hungarian decisions are Hungarian interests, the security and economic welfare of Hungarians.”