The recent trip to Moscow by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has once again brought attention to his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit marks the second time in just over a year that Orbán has traveled to Moscow, solidifying his position as Putin’s closest partner among all EU leaders.
Orbán’s first visit to Moscow in 2019 was met with criticism from some EU leaders who viewed it as a sign of Hungary’s drift towards Russia. However, Orbán has consistently defended his ties with Putin, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a good relationship with Russia for the benefit of Hungary and the EU as a whole.
During his latest trip to Moscow, Orbán met with Putin to discuss various issues, including economic cooperation, energy security, and the situation in Ukraine. The two leaders also attended the opening ceremony of the Hungarian Cultural and Scientific Center in Moscow, a symbol of the strong cultural ties between the two countries.
Hungary and Russia have a long history of cultural and economic ties, dating back to the Soviet era. Orbán has been a vocal advocate for maintaining these ties, arguing that it is in Hungary’s best interest to have a good relationship with its eastern neighbor.
One of the main reasons for Orbán’s close partnership with Putin is their shared conservative values and opposition to liberal Western policies. Both leaders have been critical of the EU’s handling of issues such as immigration and have called for a more nationalistic approach to governance.
However, Orbán’s critics have raised concerns about the potential influence of Russia on Hungary’s domestic and foreign policies. They argue that Orbán’s close ties with Putin could lead to Hungary becoming too dependent on Russia and potentially compromising its sovereignty.
But Orbán has repeatedly dismissed these concerns, stating that Hungary is a sovereign nation and will make its own decisions based on its national interests. He has also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between the East and West, stating that Hungary will not align itself with any one power.
In fact, Orbán has been successful in diversifying Hungary’s foreign relations, forming partnerships with countries such as China and Turkey in addition to Russia. This has allowed Hungary to strengthen its position on the global stage and increase its economic opportunities.
Moreover, Hungary’s economic ties with Russia have been beneficial for both countries. Russia is Hungary’s largest trading partner outside of the EU, and the two countries have several joint projects in the energy and nuclear sectors. This has helped Hungary reduce its dependence on Western energy sources and improve its energy security.
In addition, Hungary has been a vocal supporter of lifting the EU sanctions on Russia, arguing that they are damaging to both sides. Orbán believes that dialogue and cooperation are the key to resolving any disputes between the EU and Russia, rather than isolation and confrontation.
Orbán’s close relationship with Putin has also been beneficial for the Hungarian people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia provided Hungary with much-needed medical supplies and equipment, showcasing the strong bond between the two countries.
In conclusion, Orbán’s second trip to Moscow in just over a year highlights the strong partnership between Hungary and Russia. Despite criticism from some EU leaders, Orbán has remained steadfast in his support for maintaining a good relationship with Putin and has successfully balanced Hungary’s foreign relations. The close ties between the two countries have brought mutual benefits and have the potential to further strengthen the EU-Russia relationship.
