US President Donald Trump intends to exempt Hungary from American sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, as he welcomed Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to the White House, showering praise for his anti-immigration policy.
"We're looking at it, because it's very difficult for him to get oil and gas from other countries. As you know, he’s landlocked," Trump told reporters.
Orbán said that during their private meeting, he would explain to Trump what the consequences would be for Hungary if it did not have access to Russian natural gas and oil. "We are supplied via oil pipeline and natural gas pipeline," he noted.
Last month the US imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies (Rosneft and Lukoil) over the collapse of Ukraine peace prospects and a new intensified phase of military operations. Washington has called on many countries, including Hungary, to stop their supply from Russian energy sources.
The American sanctions, if the US President does not apply the double standards policy, could put Orbán at risk, just months before parliamentary elections. The nationalist politician, who has governed the country since 2010, is not certain to emerge victorious again, according to polls.
"I support him. He's doing a fantastic job," Trump said of his ally.
Last year Orbán visited the US President three times, being lavishly hosted at his private residence, Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
The two leaders did not shy away from sprawling their ideological alignment for all to see.
Trump called on the European Union to "respect" Hungary and its Prime Minister, who protests the sanctions imposed on him due to his migration policy.
"They should respect Hungary and this leader because he was right about migration," he added, even calling on Europeans to "draw inspiration" from his guest.
Orbán for his part hoped for "a golden age" in bilateral ties, repeating one of Trump's favourite expressions.
Only the US and Hungary stand for peace in Ukraine
"We are the only government in Europe that is considered a modern Christian government. All the other governments are progressive, leftist," Orbán maintained.
He further criticised EU policy on Ukraine, asserting that "the only governments that really stand for peace are those of the US and little Hungary."
Trump still believed he could put an end to hostilities in a ‘not-too-distant future’, despite backpedaling from a hyped-up meeting with Putin on Hungarian soil that was due to take place this month.
Viktor Orbán is one of the few European leaders who maintains good relations with both Washington and Moscow.
Beyond his clash with Brussels over Ukraine, refusing to send military aid and opposing the country’s EU candidacy, there have been larger social issues that have caught the ire of Brussels, repeatedly imposing sanctions related to violations in the rule of law.
Athens News Agency-AFP-Reuters