Hungary strengthens ties with Belarus in bid for energy security
Russia and Belarus, through which the Druzhba pipeline runs, are crucial for Hungary's energy security, stated Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto during his visit to Belarus on Wednesday.
During his visit, Szijjarto expressed his belief that no other pipeline could deliver an equivalent amount of oil to Hungary. The Hungarian politician highlighted that 80 per cent of Hungary's oil supplies come from the East, totalling 4.4 million tons last year.
In March this year, Szijjarto announced that Hungary plans to import similar crude oil. He emphasized that Belarus is a reliable partner for Hungary in terms of oil transit.
Despite the European Union imposing an embargo on Russian oil, the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline, which delivers crude oil to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, is exempt from this embargo.
Szijjarto also expressed concern about statements suggesting an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, such as the deployment of Western soldiers, the possibility of using nuclear weapons or introducing compulsory military conscription in Europe.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister declared that his country intends to continue cooperation with Belarus in areas not subject to EU sanctions. During his visit, the parties signed an agreement on cooperation in nuclear energy related to constructing new units at the Paks nuclear power plant in central Hungary.
hungary wants to expand its nuclear power plant
Szijjarto expressed hope that Belarusian companies would join American, German, and French companies, which are Rosatom's partners, in expanding the power plant. Hungary recently announced plans to expand nuclear cooperation with China.
The expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant is one of the key energy projects of Viktor Orban's government. The construction of two new units with a capacity of 1,200 MW each was entrusted to Rosatom in early 2014. The total investment is expected to be around 10 billion pounds, with 80% of the costs covered by a Russian loan.
The government in Budapest is regularly criticized by its Western allies for its close ties with Russia and Belarus. Szijjarto has met several times with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachov, and other Russian and Belarusian politicians.
Szijjarto explains these meetings as necessary to "maintain communication channels."
