The relationship between Hungary and Russia has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán being seen as a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was evident once again as Orbán embarked on his second trip to Moscow since last year, solidifying his position as Putin’s closest partner among all EU leaders.
The trip, which took place on Monday, was met with mixed reactions from the international community. Some saw it as a sign of Hungary’s growing dependence on Russia, while others viewed it as a strategic move by Orbán to strengthen ties with a powerful ally. However, one thing is certain – this visit has once again put the spotlight on the strong bond between Orbán and Putin.
It is no secret that Orbán has been a vocal supporter of Putin’s policies, often going against the stance of the European Union. This has earned him criticism from his EU counterparts, but Orbán has remained steadfast in his support for Russia. In fact, during his visit, he praised Russia for its “pragmatic and rational” approach to international affairs, further solidifying his admiration for Putin’s leadership.
The trip to Moscow was not just a diplomatic visit, but also a business one. Orbán was accompanied by a delegation of Hungarian businessmen, eager to explore new opportunities for trade and investment with Russia. This is a clear indication of the growing economic ties between the two countries, with trade between Hungary and Russia reaching a record high of $8.5 billion in 2018.
But beyond economic interests, the close relationship between Orbán and Putin has also been fueled by their shared political ideologies. Both leaders have been criticized for their authoritarian tendencies and their disregard for democratic values. However, Orbán has defended his actions, stating that he is simply following the path set by Putin, who he sees as a strong and successful leader.
This admiration for Putin was evident during the visit, as Orbán praised Russia’s economic growth and its role in international affairs. He also expressed his support for Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a move that was met with strong opposition from the EU. This stance has once again put Orbán at odds with his EU counterparts, but it has also solidified his position as Putin’s closest partner among all EU leaders.
The trip to Moscow also saw the signing of several agreements between Hungary and Russia, covering areas such as energy, agriculture, and education. This further highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries, with Orbán stating that Hungary sees Russia as a key partner in achieving its economic goals.
Critics of Orbán’s close ties with Russia have raised concerns about Hungary’s increasing dependence on the country, both economically and politically. They fear that this could lead to Hungary becoming isolated from its EU allies and falling under the influence of Russia. However, Orbán has dismissed these concerns, stating that Hungary will continue to maintain its strong ties with both the EU and Russia.
In conclusion, the trip to Moscow by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has once again highlighted his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite facing criticism from the EU, Orbán has remained steadfast in his support for Russia and has even strengthened ties between the two countries. While there may be concerns about Hungary’s growing dependence on Russia, Orbán’s actions have shown that he is determined to maintain a strong partnership with both the EU and Russia.
