Earlier reports suggested the ruling party was divided on the issue of Sweden's admission to NATO.
On February 23rd, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will visit Budapest.
Máté Kocsis, the leader of the Fidesz parliamentary group, disclosed on his
Facebook page a letter addressed to László Kövér, President of the National Assembly, requesting that the issue of Sweden's NATO accession be included in the agenda of the first spring session on February 26th, a Monday. The Fidesz faction now clearly wishes to express its support for this matter.
Previously, Turkey had also consented to Sweden’s accession, leaving Hungary’s government the last one yet to do so. It was argued that while the cabinet would support the membership, many within the FIDESZ GROUP were still hesitant.
During Saturday's annual government review at the Várkert Bazaar, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hinted that little was missing for the ratification to proceed for Sweden's NATO entry.
“It’s good news that our dispute with Sweden is nearing its conclusion. Important steps have been made with the Swedish Prime Minister to rebuild trust. We are heading towards ratifying Sweden's NATO accession at the onset of Parliament's spring session,” underscored the Prime Minister at that time.
On Monday, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, while in Warsaw, announced plans to visit Hungary in the forthcoming period. “It appears to me there is strong will to finalize Sweden's NATO accession process,” he stated. “I am looking forward to the planned meeting for this finalization to occur,” added Kristersson.
Sweden Cheers
Stockholm welcomes the news that the Hungarian Parliament will vote on Sweden's NATO membership next week, as indicated by Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson during a Tuesday press briefing.
“We are naturally pleased with this news,” according to Jonson, as reported by MTI (Hungarian News Agency).
Swedish Prime Minister to Arrive on Friday
Shortly after Máté Kocsis's announcement, Bertalan Havasi, the Hungarian Prime Minister's press chief, reported that on February 23rd, at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Ulf Kristersson, the Swedish Prime Minister, will travel to Budapest for a working visit.
The meeting will focus on Hungary and Sweden's defense and security policy cooperation and preparations for Hungary's upcoming EU presidency. They will also review the European Union’s strategic agenda, shared Bertalan Havasi. He added that Orbán and Kristersson will report on the outcomes of their negotiations at a press conference.