Russia expects that “exceptionally pragmatic” bilateral relations will continue with Hungary’s new leadership, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists in Moscow on Monday.
“We expect to continue our exceptionally pragmatic relations with Hungary’s new leadership,” he said, according to a report by MTI.
Peskov said the Hungarian people had made their decision, which Russia respected, and Moscow was interested in building good relations.
“We have heard statements [by Tisza leader Péter Magyar] expressing willingness for dialogue. Of course, this will be beneficial for both Moscow and Budapest,” Peskov said.
He added that Moscow must be patient and wait to see what steps the new Hungarian leadership will take.
“We are interested in building good relations with Hungary, as with all European countries. We know that, unfortunately, we cannot yet speak of reciprocity with European countries, but Russia is open to dialogue,” he said.
Peskov advised journalists at the briefing to direct questions about the future use of the Druzhba oil pipeline by Hungary and other European countries to those states themselves. In this context, he said Russia had been and remained one of the world’s most reliable energy suppliers, and its role in this regard could not be overestimated.
The Kremlin spokesperson said he did not believe the results of the Hungarian parliamentary election would affect the situation around Ukraine.
“I do not think this is related to the prospects for the development of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. These are, apparently, two different processes. Therefore, I see no connection here,” Peskov said.
