HUNGARY – Berlin seeks new alliance after change of government

BERLIN, Sept 14 /ATSH-DPA/ – German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Budapest today for an official visit, hoping that, after the change of government earlier this year, “Hungary will rediscover its big European heart.”

Conservative Prime Minister Peter Magyar defeated right-wing populist Viktor Orban in April’s elections, after 16 years of the latter in power.

Orban’s government had pursued more Moscow-friendly policies, while blocking EU sanctions and harshly criticizing Ukraine.

Wadephul praised the new Hungarian government for launching important reforms within a short time.

“The restoration of the rule of law and the implementation of European requirements are good news,” he declared.

During his stay in Budapest, Wadephul is expected to meet President Andras Baka, Foreign Minister Anita Orban and Economy Minister Istvan Kapitany.

He is the first German foreign minister to visit Hungary in nearly seven years and is accompanied by a business delegation.

Wadephul described the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats from Hungary last week as a clear signal to Moscow.

He said Budapest’s solidarity after an attempted explosive-drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport in early August, which Berlin has attributed to Russia, as well as EU sanctions also approved by Hungary, sent Moscow a clear message:

“We are defending the order of peace in Europe against Russia’s aggression,” Wadephul added.

Russia denies any involvement in the drone incident at Leipzig airport.