Hungary and Ukraine have successfully resolved the diplomatic misunderstandings that previously arose between the two states, particularly concerning the new regional association "Carpathian Eight." This was officially stated by Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Orbán, referring to the results of recent contacts on the sidelines of international venues.
Dialogue on the Sidelines of the UN and Easing Tensions
According to the head of the Hungarian foreign policy department, during events within the framework of the UN General Assembly, she held a series of productive meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. As a result of intensive dialogue, the parties managed to completely defuse the accumulated tension and resolve existing disputes. Anita Orbán noted that while general public attention was riveted to emotional discussions in social networks, a continuous and pragmatic negotiation process was underway behind the scenes.
Prospects for Participation in the "Carpathian Eight"
Answering a question about Budapest's possible accession to the new format, Orbán emphasized that Hungary fundamentally does not rule out joining the "Carpathian Eight" in the future. Recall that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially announced the establishment of this cooperation format, uniting Ukraine and seven European countries, on September 18. The Hungarian minister added that Budapest gladly participates in any regional and bilateral partnership that meets the country's national interests, but preliminary preparation is necessary for such a step.
Energy Issue and Position on Storage Facilities
Despite diplomatic progress, certain discrepancies remain in the sphere of pragmatic cooperation. Orbán touched upon the issue of energy partnership and confirmed the firm position of the government and Prime Minister Péter Magyar regarding fuel reserves. According to her clear statement, there are no plans to create strategic facilities on the territory of Hungary for storing fuel and petroleum products in the interests of Ukraine.
Contradictory Data
Certain discrepancies regarding the pace and conditions of the convergence of positions remain in the expert and media space. Earlier, Prime Minister Péter Magyar openly stated that Hungary had received an invitation to the "Carpathian Eight," but Budapest allegedly had good reasons to refrain from participating. At the same time, Anita Orbán's current statements demonstrate a much more flexible approach, allowing for membership in the association after a detailed preparatory dialogue.
