State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó held negotiations in Moscow on the two most important fields of Hungarian-Russian cooperation: energy and agriculture.

Following his meetings, the Hungarian State Secretary informed the press that they had reviewed preparations for the construction of the Hungarian section of the South Stream gas pipeline with Deputy Minister of Energy Anatoly Yanovskiy. He emphasised that the Hungarian Government is committed to realising the project, since the South Stream would improve the country’s energy security. At the same time, the parties agreed that every aspect of the project should comply with EU regulations, which requires further discussions, he added.

The State Secretary said that he had asked for the Deputy Minister’s support for MVM Hungarian Electricity Ltd.’s possible role in constructing East-Russian electricity lines, as this would strengthen the company regionally and improve its competitiveness.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ilya Shestakov and Deputy Chairman of Vnesheconombank Andrey Sapelin also held talks with Mr. Szijjártó regarding the possible increase in Hungarian agricultural exports and agreed to adapt the cooperation between the trade house in Moscow and Vnesheconombank to also serve this purpose.

Regarding Hungarian steel plant Dunaferr, the State Secretary informed Deputy Chairman Sapelin that Hungary is interested in finding a solution that ensures Dunaferr’s long-term, balanced and predictable functioning, as well as the protection of Hungarian jobs.

(Prime Minister’s Office)