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Energy issues high on agenda in Putin’s visit to Hungary — Russian ambassador

According to Russia's ambassador, Hungary's EU and NATO membership puts certain limits on Budapest’s position in relations with Russia

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. Energy and economy issues will feature high on the agenda in a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Hungary, Russia’s ambassador to Budapest said on Monday.

Vladimir Sergeyev said Hungary wants to receive stable supplies of Russian natural gas. "Hungary is interested in Russian gas supplies. The most immediate task now is to discuss extension of a long-term contract, which is due to expire this year," the diplomat said.

"In the longer term, we should decide on ways to supply this gas to Hungary, considering those plans and intentions made by the Russian energy minister and the head of [Russia's state-owned energy giant] Gazprom," Sergeyev added.

"As for our relations with Hungary, they are certainly isolated from the overall situation in the world and the tension we now observe," Sergeyev told the Rossiya-24 television news channel in an interview.

"The fact that Hungary is a member of the European Union and NATO puts certain limits on Budapest’s position on international issues, including relations with Russia," Sergeyev said, adding that the current situation has influenced all spheres of bilateral relations.

He said Putin’s visit would focus mainly on issues of energy and mutual economic ties alongside cooperation in tourism and culture.

"All these issues will be touched upon," Sergeyev said, noting that the talks were aimed "to give a strategic impetus" to future development of relations.