Hungary opposes the imposition of new sanctions on Russia, especially in the energy sector, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto shared on September 23 after meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in New York, USA, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister said energy sanctions are a "clear red line" for Hungary as Europe struggles with rising gas prices.
"Our position is very clear. We do not see any reasonable grounds to discuss a new package of sanctions, especially related to energy," RIA Novosti quoted Szijjarto as saying.
According to some Hungarian news agencies, the country's foreign minister added that "this is a clear red line for us. We do not want Hungarians to pay for a war with nothing to do with them."
Meanwhile, Minister Szijjarto also signaled that Hungary has no plans to avoid any debate on the new package but will not agree with anything contrary to our national interests.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto also emphasized the reality that peace cannot come without dialogue. Without negotiations, the world would face more serious consequences, he said.
Foreign Minister Szijjarto warned that the European economy is going into recession. In recent months, Europe has been experiencing an energy crisis, largely due to soaring gas prices following EU sanctions on Russia.
Hungary depends heavily on Russia for energy. The country imports about 80% of its gas from Russia's Gazprom energy group. While Russia cut off gas supplies to several European countries, Hungary signed a deal with Russia to provide more gas at the end of August.
