Hungary's Foreign Minister Szijjártó Péter expresses optimism over recent U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the first U.S.-Russia negotiations took place, marking a potential step toward concluding the Russia-Ukraine war.
The negotiating parties have reportedly agreed to continue organizing meetings and are preparing for a summit between former U.S. President
Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Szijjártó Péter, commented on these developments, stating that the improvement in relations between the two major powers could positively affect global security.
He emphasized that a relationship grounded in mutual respect and rational cooperation between the U.S. and Russia would be beneficial for the world.
Szijjártó expressed optimism about the peace process, referring to the negotiations as possibly the best news of recent months.
He noted that Hungary is observing these direct meetings in Saudi Arabia with great interest, which focus on restarting cooperation between the nations and addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During his address at an open debate of the United Nations Security Council in New York, Szijjártó highlighted the new geopolitical reality established after Trump's inauguration, which he described as a shift toward a more patriotic and sovereignty-focused leadership in the Western world.
He criticized what he termed the 'woke ideology' and its impact on international politics, arguing that it has undermined mutual respect and respect in political discourse.
Szijjártó asserted that Hungary has maintained a consistent policy stance of being conservative, Christian, patriotic, supportive of peace, and resistant to immigration for the past fifteen years, despite facing significant criticism for its position.
He pointed out that Hungary lives in the shadow of the Ukraine war, which has caused damage and losses to the country.
He argued that the conflict has been fueled by the international liberal mainstream, which has attacked those advocating for peace.
He expressed gratitude towards countries that have kept the peace-seeking camp alive amid difficult conditions, singling out China for its establishment of a group supporting peace during the recent UN General Assembly.
Szijjártó also acknowledged the significant shift in U.S. politics with the election of a peace-oriented president, resulting in unprecedented chances for resolving the Ukraine conflict.
He welcomed the high-level direct talks held that day between U.S. and Russian officials.
In recent years, Hungary has faced considerable opposition in the international political arena for its pro-dialogue stance.
Szijjártó reiterated the importance of keeping communication channels open and seeking diplomatic resolutions, asserting that negotiations are essential for creating lasting peace.
He stated, 'What is happening now suggests we were correct to advocate for open communication channels.' Szijjártó expressed his wishes for successful negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, viewing good relations between the two as beneficial for the world.
In discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, Szijjártó noted that while fresh winds may be blowing from Washington, China has played an important role in sustaining the cause of peace in recent years.
He acknowledged the economic benefits that Hungary has reaped from its cooperation with China, highlighting that Chinese investments have brought significant economic opportunities and job creation to Hungary.
Szijjártó explained that Hungary is a landlocked country lacking energy resources, making strong participation in international trade crucial for economic performance.
He advocated for unobstructed global trade as a core interest, emphasizing that the division of the world into blocs opposes Hungary's interests.
Lastly, he called for the UN to adapt to the new geopolitical realities lest it lose its significance, and suggested that leaders must step out of their comfort zones to propose innovative reforms to enhance efficiency and reduce redundancy in the organization.