U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Wednesday to discuss economic and national security priorities, according to a Treasury statement. The meeting, described as introductory, underscored the importance of U.S.-Hungary relations and continued bilateral coordination amid Europe's evolving geopolitical landscape.
While the statement omitted references to Russia’s war in Ukraine, it highlighted Washington’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Budapest. The meeting also did not mention President Donald Trump’s push for swift peace talks with Moscow, a stance that has raised concerns among European leaders.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has frequently clashed with Western allies over various issues, including Budapest’s economic ties with Russia, media freedom, and human rights concerns. In December, the previous Biden administration granted Hungary an exemption from sanctions on Russia’s Gazprombank, enabling continued payments for Russian gas.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that Bessent will not attend next week’s G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in South Africa. The gathering would have provided an opportunity for Bessent to engage with global economic leaders, but the Treasury did not comment on the decision.
The U.S. and Hungary continue to navigate complex diplomatic and economic relations, balancing national interests with broader geopolitical shifts. As tensions persist in Europe, their discussions signal ongoing cooperation despite differences on key international issues.