Hungary’s Szijjártó confirms he calls Russia’s Lavrov during closed-door EU meetings

Iryna Kutielieva, VALENTYNA ROMANENKO - 24 March, 12:19

Péter Szijjártó and Sergei Lavrov. Photo: Getty Images

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has confirmed that he is in regular contact with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during closed-door meetings of the European Union.

Source: Szijjártó at an election rally in the city of Keszthely, as cited by Euronews and European Pravda

Details: Szijjártó acknowledged the calls, arguing that EU decisions on energy, the automotive industry and security directly affect Hungary's relations with partners outside the bloc.

"Yes, these issues must be discussed with our partners outside the European Union. I talk not only to the Russian foreign minister but also to our American, Turkish, Israeli, Serbian and others before and after European Union Council meetings. What I say may sound harsh, but diplomacy is about talking to the leaders of other countries," he said.

The minister also posted a video on social media on the morning of 24 March, in which he rejected accusations of breaching any security protocols at meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

He added that no secrets are discussed at the ministerial level.

"Every minister brings their phone into the room except me. The suggestion that there are any security protocols falls into the category of stupidity," Szijjártó said.

Background:

The Washington Post previously reported that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó regularly provided Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov with "live reports on what was being discussed" at EU meetings, as well as information on possible decisions.
Reports have also emerged that the EU is excluding Hungary from sensitive negotiations over concerns about leaks to Russia.
Meanwhile, the Hungarian opposition party Tisza has promised that, if it wins the election, it will "immediately investigate Péter Szijjártó's ties with Russia".

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