BUDAPEST, February 6. /TASS/. Hungary is on board with US President Donald Trump’s criticism of the United Nations, itself believing that the organization is in dire need of reform, and that its leadership should not "sit in an ivory tower," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said after visiting the UN headquarters in New York.

"Donald Trump’s criticism is warranted. Today's UN is largely ineffective and often hurt by its liberal leaning, which leads it to attack member states rather than support them," the foreign minister wrote on his Facebook page (banned in Russia, owned by Meta Corporation, recognized as extremist in Russia).

Nevertheless, he believes that "the situation can be fixed." "We need to eliminate redundancies, optimize operations, cut unnecessary costs, and focus on real global challenges," Szijjarto explained, adding that this requires a collective effort.

"UN leaders cannot 'sit in an ivory tower' in New York. We need real change. If they do not understand this, they risk putting this great international organization in jeopardy," the minister stressed.

According to him, "the organization's leaders must finally step out of their comfort zone and save this global organization, the last truly universal and inclusive institution, one that serves to foster a dialogue between the East and the West."

Strong UN helps Hungary

Szijjarto emphasized that a well-functioning UN is in the best interests of everyone, including Hungary, which is ready to engage in joint work aimed at bringing about real change inside the organization, and swiftly. "Budapest has already proven that decentralizing the UN is the right way to go. Many UN institutions are working effectively in Budapest, and we are ready to host even more of them," the foreign minister said.

He held meetings with UN Under-Secretaries-General Guy Ryder, who is responsible for policy issues, and Vladimir Voronkov, who heads the UN Counter-Terrorism Office (CTO). Budapest is home to the CTO's program and project support office for Europe.

Trump’s beef with the UN

Earlier, Szijjarto said that Trump's return to the White House would have a big impact on the organization going forward. He predicted that relations between the United States and the UN would see some big changes, as stated in his interview with M1.

On February 4, Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The American leader criticized the UN's activities, saying that the organization "has tremendous potential," but has not realized it yet. In addition, he believes that the UN is "not well-managed."

UN Secretary-General Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in response that the organization's head, Antonio Guterres, "looks forward to continuing his productive relationship with President Trump and the US Government to strengthen that relationship in today’s turbulent world." He also noted that "US support for the United Nations has saved countless lives and advanced global security."