Hungary’s Orban lauds new phase with Sweden ahead of vote on its NATO bid
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has praised the start of a new era in relations with Sweden as his country prepares to vote on Sweden's NATO membership.
During a press conference with Swedish leader Ulf Kristersson, Orban confirmed Hungary would soon vote on the matter, being the last NATO country to do so since Sweden applied in May 2022 following Russia's attack on Ukraine.
At the briefing, Orban revealed Hungary’s purchase of four Swedish Gripen fighter jets, a move set to enhance Hungary's military strength and international role. The Hungarian Parliament is scheduled to vote on Sweden’s NATO bid next Monday.
Orban expressed optimism about future mutual trust between the NATO allies, with Sweden's entry into the alliance expected to fortify security ties. Sweden's application had faced hurdles, notably Turkey's initial resistance due to concerns over Sweden's stance on certain militant groups.
Following Finland's accession to NATO, which extended the alliance's border with Russia, Sweden tightened its counter-terrorism laws and assured Turkey of better security collaboration.
Although Orban, known for his rapport with Putin, initially seemed to delay Sweden’s bid, he has since moved forward with the process after Turkey gave its consent. Orban invited Kristersson to discuss Sweden's NATO entry, marking a potential end to previous hesitations.
At the briefing, Orban revealed Hungary’s purchase of four Swedish Gripen fighter jets, a move set to enhance Hungary's military strength and international role. The Hungarian Parliament is scheduled to vote on Sweden’s NATO bid next Monday.
Orban expressed optimism about future mutual trust between the NATO allies, with Sweden's entry into the alliance expected to fortify security ties. Sweden's application had faced hurdles, notably Turkey's initial resistance due to concerns over Sweden's stance on certain militant groups.
Following Finland's accession to NATO, which extended the alliance's border with Russia, Sweden tightened its counter-terrorism laws and assured Turkey of better security collaboration.
Although Orban, known for his rapport with Putin, initially seemed to delay Sweden’s bid, he has since moved forward with the process after Turkey gave its consent. Orban invited Kristersson to discuss Sweden's NATO entry, marking a potential end to previous hesitations.
