After Russia’s decision concerning the South Stream gas pipeline, further opportunities need to be explored for the long-term guarantee of secure energy supplies for Hungary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó stated on Tuesday.

The Minister – who is attending the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels – said that Russia had the right to take this decision on South Stream, and Hungary takes note of it.

He said that in order to ensure Hungary's energy security new opportunities need to be sought, one of the most prominent of which is the supply of gas to Central Europe from Azerbaijan through a southern route.

Mr. Szijjártó added that this is only one alternative, however, and – although the intention is to prioritise it – further opportunities must now be explored for the long-term guarantee of secure energy supplies for Hungary.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)