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Hungary’s top diplomat says TurkStream should not be seen as just benefiting Russia

Peter Szijjarto said that the majority of countries participating in the Turkish Stream project are NATO members

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto EPA-EFE/MARTIN DIVISEK

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto

© EPA-EFE/MARTIN DIVISEK

MOSCOW, December 18. /TASS/. /TASS/. The Turkish Stream gas pipeline should not be considered as a project that is implemented solely in Russia's interests, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RTVI TV channel on Wednesday.

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"Considering the Turkish Stream as the project in which Russia dominates, is incorrect," Szijjarto said. "Let's look at the countries involved in the project: Russia, Turkey — NATO member, Bulgaria — EU and NATO member, Serbia — candidate for joining EU, Hungary — EU and NATO member. The majority of countries participating in the project are NATO members. It is dishonest to consider it as a solely Russian project," he added.

The foreign minister said that his main interest lies in ensuring gas deliveris to Hungary. "How can I do this? I am in talks with Russia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, in order to build this new route," Szijjarto said. "What can I do in this situation as a minister responsible for energy talks? I can hold talks with Russia on future gas deliveries. Why? Because there are no other possibilities," he noted.

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