Levente Magyar, State Secretary at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, engaged in rare discussions with Jonathan Finer, White House Deputy Chief National Security Advisor for Europe in Washington, focusing on the prospects for Hungarian–American relations.
In a statement following the meeting Levente Magyar said that all issues concerning relations between Hungary and the United States were reviewed. He noted that the such exchanges bring the two nations closer to either agreement or disagreement, which represents progress compared to a lack of dialogue. He added that he had discussed similar issues with representatives of the US State Department in mid-July.
‘We do not have to agree on everything, and there are many important issues on which we hold different views and do not share the same vision for the future, but we remain allies,’ Levente Magyar pointed out. He highlighted the differences regarding the war in Ukraine, adding that there is agreement that
both sides desire peace in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
Levente Magyar stated that the primary focus of the meeting with the Deputy Chief National Security Advisor was Ukraine, with the main disagreement being on the path to peace. ‘While the United States sees the solution in providing military support to Ukraine and financing the war, Hungary aims to keep the war front as far from its borders as possible,’ he said.
‘We believe that the best way to keep this situation as far from our country as possible is to achieve a ceasefire and initiate subsequent peace negotiations as soon as possible,’ the state secretary stressed.
He mentioned that the issue of relations with China was also discussed, highlighting differences in approach as well.
While the United States views China as a global competitor, Hungary perceives economic advantages in Chinese investments and cooperation.
He added that, although the government hears the US position, it shapes its foreign policy based on Hungary’s interests.
Levente Magyar stated that the Hungarian government does not see any aspect of Hungarian-Chinese cooperation that would tangibly harm the fundamental interests of the United States, particularly in the field of national security. He clarified: ‘Such a situation would be different, but that is not the issue here.’
The State Secretary said that the goal is for Hungary and the United States to ‘at least not diverge more than before’ and, if possible, to come closer. However, he emphasized that ‘the alpha and omega of Hungarian decisions
is the Hungarian interest, the security, and the material well-being of the Hungarian people.’
Relations between Hungary and the United States have reached a low point during Joe Biden’s presidency. The Washington administration has taken increasingly tough measures to put pressure on Hungary, starting with the termination of the double taxation agreement for Hungarian citizens living in the US and placing Imre Laszlóczki, the then Vice-President of the International Investment Bank, on a sanctions list. Biden also accused Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of building a dictatorship in Hungary, while US Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman has consistently criticized the Hungarian government in his speeches.
In an interview following his visit to the United States in March Viktor Orbán stated that Hungarian–American relations are strained, and with the current US administration, there is no way to progress the relationship. According to PM Orbán the reason behind this is Washington’s pro-war stance, which contrasts with Budapest’s pro-peace position. The Prime Minister also expressed that a potential victory of Donald Trump in the November presidential election could significantly improve the relations between the two allies.
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