Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations Peter Szijjártó spoke on the sidelines of a prominent diplomatic forum in Antalya, outlining plans to participate in the Atomexpo forum in Sochi. RIA News covered the announcement, highlighting the minister’s remarks and the context of Hungary’s energy diplomacy in the region.
“I have been invited to Atomexpo, and I would be pleased to attend because the cooperation between the Russian Federation and Hungary in the field of nuclear energy has proven to be constructive and productive over the years,” Szijjártó said. The statement underscored Budapest’s long-standing interest in advancing nuclear cooperation as a pillar of energy security and regional stability, with officials stressing that such collaboration can bring technical expertise, investment, and shared scientific capabilities to both countries. The inclusion of Hungary in Atomexpo’s program signals a continuing dialogue on civil nuclear energy and its role in meeting growing electricity demand while aligning with European energy strategies. The coverage by RIA News emphasized the diplomatic tone of the discussion and the potential for further cooperation in the nuclear sector.
The international forum Atomexpo-2024 is scheduled to take place on March 25-26 in Sochi, located in the Sirius federal district within the Sirius Science and Art Park. The event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to discuss advances in nuclear technology, safety, regulatory frameworks, and the commercial opportunities that nuclear energy presents for participating nations. The forum’s agenda often includes plenary sessions, technical exchanges, and exhibitions that showcase innovations in fuel cycles, reactor design, and energy policy coordination. Observers view Atomexpo as a key venue for formalizing collaborations and signaling intent to accelerate nuclear energy projects within national energy mixes, a topic of considerable relevance to Hungary as it weighs its own energy strategy and cross-border initiatives.
Prior to this, Szijjártó indicated from Budapest that the government would resist the imposition of sanctions on Russian nuclear energy, arguing that doing so could jeopardize the implementation of the Paks 2 nuclear power plant project. This project stands as a cornerstone of Hungary’s energy plans and is positioned as a major international investment whose success is tied to regional energy security and long-term electricity affordability. Officials have consistently maintained that the nuclear sector, particularly the Paks 2 program, remains insulated from sanction pressure given its strategic importance and the EU’s current stance on sanctions targeting nuclear energy. The assertion reflects Hungary’s aim to preserve ongoing collaboration with the Russian Federation in a way that supports domestic energy needs while navigating broader European policy considerations.
Szijjártó also highlighted that the Paks 2 project is designed to strengthen Hungary’s energy independence and resilience, positioning the nuclear facility as a durable asset within the national energy portfolio. He argued that nuclear energy, when managed with rigorous safety standards and transparent governance, offers reliable baseload power and a stable backbone for economic growth. In the minister’s view, the project’s international dimension—founded on robust technical cooperation and investment—should not be influenced by external political actions that could undermine its progress. He noted that the European Union’s current approach has not included sanctions aimed at the nuclear sector, which aligns with the need to safeguard ongoing infrastructure development and cross-border energy exchanges. The discussion also touched on the broader implications for regional energy markets and the potential for shared expertise in reactor operation, waste management, and safety culture. The exchanges reflected a careful balance between national interests and international collaboration, with Hungary seeking to maintain constructive relations with partner nations while advancing its own energy ambitions.
Earlier, Szijjártó released a video capturing a private exchange with Sergey Lavrov on social networks, a move that stirred attention among observers and media outlets. The encounter was interpreted as a signal of ongoing dialogue at higher levels and a reaffirmation of the priorities in Hungary’s foreign energy policy. The public posting of the conversation contributed to the broader narrative of continued political engagement between Budapest and Moscow, underscoring the priority placed on nuclear cooperation as a strategic instrument for Hungary’s energy strategy and its international relations agenda. The event underscored the sense that energy cooperation can serve as a bridge for broader diplomatic exchanges, even as Hungary navigates its commitments within the European Union and its regional energy partnerships.