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Europe can't do without Russia: Hungary

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 18, 2015 10:42AM

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban says the economy of Europe depends on Russia, stressing that it is only an "illusion" to think Europe can do without Russian energy supplies.

"One who believes the European economy will be competitive without cooperation with Russia and one who thinks energy security can be guaranteed in Europe without energy supplies from Russia is cherishing illusions," Orban said on Tuesday following a meeting with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The top Hungarian executive further stressed the need for the reestablishment of normal ties between Europe and Russia and a move toward ending the anti-Russia sanctions that have been imposed by the West over the Ukrainian crisis.

"I am certain that relations between the European Union and Russia need to be reestablished as soon as possible," Orban said, adding, "Hungary is struggling to find appropriate solutions."

He also pointed out that both Hungary and Russia are mutually interested in the continuation of reliable gas supplies and transit after signing several agreements with Putin.

"I have clearly stated that Hungary needs Russia. For us, Hungarians, it is important that Russia is open for Hungarian products. And Hungary is interested in reliably getting Russian energy," Orban said at a joint press-conference with Putin as cited in a report by RT.

The Russian president was in the Hungarian capital of Budapest on a single-day state visit to the European country, his first to a European Union (EU) state since the start of the Ukrainian crisis in 2014.

Energy issues dominated the talks between Orban and Putin as Budapest and Moscow reached a "political agreement" on a new gas deal on Tuesday.

Russia is Hungary's biggest source of natural gas, and in 2013 the country purchased 6 billion cubic meters.

​Russia has recently decided to redirect its 63-billion-cubic-meter (bcm) pipeline to deliver gas to southern Europe. In 2013, Russia sold 162.7 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe.

MFB/HJL/HRB