PARIS, December 8. /TASS/. Fundamental differences between Russia and Europe should not become a reason not to cooperate, as the current situation necessitates that Brussels broach the topic of building relations with Moscow, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in an interview with the French magazine Le Point.
Russia "is a completely different civilization," it cannot be compared to the European Union or the European continent, he said. "It is an illusion to expect Russia to be just like Europe. This is hardly possible. Historically, politically, geographically and traditionally this is a different country. The big question is whether our differences are a reason not to cooperate. My answer is no. If only because the majority of the world differs from Europe," the prime minister explained.
Following this logic, Europe should abandon cooperation "with two thirds of the globe," which is unreasonable, he said. "I favor rational discussions of how we can build relations with Russia. Because it exists and it is strong. Of course, there are differences on this issue between EU member states," Orban said, adding that Europe should develop a Plan B and a new strategy regarding Moscow.
The Hungarian prime minister held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday in Paris.