Ulf Kristersson (L) and Viktor Orbán (R) on February 23, 2024
On Monday, Viktor Orbán asked MPs in the National Assembly to adopt the parliamentary resolution on Sweden’s accession to NATO. In his speech before the agenda, the Prime Minister stressed that Swedish-Hungarian military-industrial cooperation and Sweden’s accession to NATO will strengthen Hungary’s security.
He also pointed out that the Swedish Prime Minister’s visit on Friday had successfully contributed to fair and respectful relations between the two countries. There were and will be differences of opinion, “because we, Swedes and Hungarians are not the same,” but we view our differences with understanding, as we should as serious nations, he said, and described in detail the military and defense agreements concluded.
As Hungary Today reported, on Friday, Viktor Orbán received Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The Hungarian Prime Minister emphasized that his counterpart’s visit meant a crucial step in the process of rebuilding trust between the two nations. The Swedish Prime Minister echoed the constructive nature of the talks, emphasizing the importance of the cooperation agreement reached between the two countries.
Ulf Kristersson (L) and Viktor Orbán (R) during their talks on Friday last week. Photo: MTI / Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda / Fischer Zoltán
On Monday, the Prime Minister pointed out that we have a long and contentious relationship with the Nordic countries, and that there have been several attempts to interfere in the settlement of disputes from outside. This has not helped but hindered the process, he said, adding that Hungary is a sovereign country and does not tolerate being dictated to by others, whether it is the content or the timing of decisions.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addresses the plenary session of the National Assembly on February 26, 2024. Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
Parliament voted on NATO membership this afternoon, ratifying the proposal on Sweden’s accession with 188 votes in favor to six against. Only the Mi Hazánk (Our Homeland) group voted against, who believe that the enlargement of NATO is a provocation to Russia. As Magyar Nemzet writes, the leaders of the governing parties (Fidesz, KDNP) said last week that they would support accession after the Swedish Prime Minister’s visit to Hungary, while the government had indicated its support long before. Earlier, there was no consensus in the Fidesz faction to support the deal.
Via MTI, Magyar Nemzet; Featured image: MTI / Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda / Fischer Zoltán
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