Qatar, Hungary keen to expand areas of partnership: PM Orban

Qatar is a potential partner for Hungary and a country of key importance to Europe, the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, told the Qatar Economic Forum 2023, Powered by Bloomberg, Tuesday.
Speaking to John Micklethwait, editor-in-chief, Bloomberg News, Orban said: “ Talks are going on between Qatar and Hungary for an agreement for LNG supply. We hope it will lead to more co-operation between both the countries. European economy has made up for a great part of its energy needs with LNG coming from Qatar as the Russian gas was missing due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In the last one year we have learned that Qatar is a country of great importance for Europe.”
Orban explained that the agreement in natural gas will enhance the energy security of his country and lead to enhanced economic growth and co-operation between both countries. He commended the bilateral relations between Doha and Budapest over the past years, pointing out that Qatar helped Europe with the issue of exports and imports of gas and oil, as well as other arrangements related to information systems and security issues.
He said that Qatar is interested in investing in the Hungarian market, expressing Hungary's respect for Qatar, as well as its openness to sign agreements between the two countries. ”Some of these agreements will enter into force in 2026 and discussions are ongoing between the two countries. We hope to become become a partner with Qatar based on a strategic view,” explained Orban.
The Hungarian PM also stressed that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine followed by peace talks is the only way out to end the war between both the countries. “Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine and the only solution to save lives is a ceasefire followed by peace talks. Instead of escalation, we should argue in favour of peace and negotiations. My view is that looking at the reality, looking at the figures, looking at the surroundings and looking at the fact that Nato is not ready to send troops, it is obvious that there is no victory for poor Ukrainians on the battlefield,” said Orban.
He also addressed the relations between his country and the European Union countries, as well as other countries, in the economic aspect, noting that Hungary is strong and can rely economically on its domestic resources. In this regard, he pointed out that 85% of Hungary's exports go to the European Union, and therefore Hungary must always consider its interests without compromising regional interests at the same time.