Budapest, Hungary – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed enthusiasm during his first visit to Budapest on Monday, describing the city as “incredible” and the location as “a great place.” However, the visit’s primary focus extends beyond sightseeing, centering on American concerns regarding Hungary’s energy dependence on Russia.
According to sources, Hungary currently relies on Russia for approximately 80 percent of its oil and gas supplies. The U.S. Government is seeking to diversify Hungary’s energy sources, with a particular interest in increasing the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States. This was a key topic of discussion during meetings between Rubio and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, held at the Karmelita Monastery in Budapest.
The meeting between Orbán and Rubio addressed bilateral relations and current international and security policy issues, with both leaders agreeing that a “golden age” has dawned in Hungarian-American relations, and that further agreements are likely in the future. Rubio’s visit follows a meeting between Orbán and U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly voiced his support for Orbán ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in two months.
Prior to meeting with Orbán, Rubio met with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, resulting in the signing of an agreement to promote civil nuclear energy programs between the two countries. Discussions as well covered the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential pathways to peace. Szijjártó noted that the meetings represent a recent “golden age” in Hungarian-American diplomacy, marking the first time such discussions have been held in Budapest.
The U.S. Administration views Hungary as playing an critical role within the Peace Council, and Trump has previously praised Orbán’s operate in curbing illegal immigration. The signing of the nuclear energy agreement was announced by State Secretary Zoltán Kovács at a joint press conference following the meetings.
Rubio’s visit comes as Hungary prepares for parliamentary elections. The U.S. Has signaled its support for Orbán’s government, a position that has been publicly affirmed by President Trump. A joint press conference between Orbán and Rubio is scheduled to take place at the Karmelita Monastery, where details of the discussions and agreements are expected to be shared.