On Thursday in Belgrade, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed energy cooperation between their countries. The two ministers concluded that the future of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline construction is uncertain because of the current Russian-Turkish conflict.

The parties held their meeting on the side-lines of the two-day conference of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

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Mr. Szijjártó told his Turkish counterpart that the Russian-Turkish conflict is completely against the interests of Europe and Hungary. “Both Russia and Turkey are very important partners for us, and therefore if there is a conflict between these two countries that is disadvantageous for Europe and Hungary as well”, the Minister explained. He expressed his hope that the two sides will settle their differences as soon as possible.

The parties also discussed the fight against the Islamic State (IS). The effectiveness of the fight against the terrorist organisation is a key aspect in Europe and Hungary. In Hungary’s view however a North Atlantic – Russian agreement is essential to ensure effectiveness, this however requires the normalisation of Russian-Turkish relations.

Mr. Szijjártó also assured the Turkish Foreign Minister that Hungary fully supports the acceleration of the Turkish visa liberalisation negotiations.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)