U.S.-Hungary Relations Reignite as Rubio Backs Peace and Economic Growth

Washington, D.C. – March 5, 2025

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó held high-level talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, marking a significant step forward in Hungary-U.S. relations. The discussions focused on enhancing economic cooperation, lifting previous retaliatory measures, and working towards a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.

Following the meeting, Minister Szijjártó confirmed that the U.S. administration is fully open to reviewing and lifting the sanctions imposed on Hungary by the previous Biden administration. He emphasized that these measures had been politically motivated and counterproductive to future cooperation.

“There were clear attempts to harm Hungary and Hungarian-American relations in the past, but today we have taken a major step towards correcting these injustices,” Szijjártó stated. He noted that the U.S. sanctions targeting Hungary’s energy security and the unjustified blacklisting of Hungarian officials are now under reconsideration. “Secretary Rubio assured us of his absolute openness to move past these retaliatory measures as soon as possible,” he added.

The two leaders also discussed the importance of restoring the Hungary-U.S. double taxation agreement, which was canceled by the Biden administration. Szijjártó stressed that this decision negatively impacted American companies employing over 100,000 people in Hungary. He welcomed Rubio’s acknowledgment of the need to renegotiate and reinstate the agreement to support economic growth and investment.

In addition to economic and diplomatic matters, the meeting covered key global security concerns. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace in Ukraine, with Secretary Rubio making it clear that prolonging the war is not in the interests of the United States. “The U.S. administration remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution rather than fueling further conflict, which is good news for Hungary,” Szijjártó said. He also revealed that the U.S. has temporarily suspended military assistance to Ukraine and expressed concern over political efforts in Europe aimed at undermining former President Donald Trump’s peace initiatives.

Minister Szijjártó highlighted Hungary’s exceptional cooperation with the United States at the United Nations, recalling that Hungary was the only EU member state to support the U.S.-led peace resolution. “While some in Europe continue to focus on blame, Hungary stands firmly on the side of peace and diplomacy,” he emphasized. The UN Security Council’s adoption of the U.S.-backed peace resolution further underscored the importance of Hungary’s role in promoting stability.

Another key issue discussed was the closure of USAID’s activities in Hungary, which Szijjártó welcomed as a positive step in preventing foreign interference in national affairs. He announced that Hungary has appointed a government commissioner to investigate the use of USAID funds in political operations, with upcoming meetings scheduled in the U.S. to further clarify the matter.

Beyond these critical discussions, Szijjártó and Rubio explored avenues for enhancing energy cooperation, particularly in the field of nuclear energy. Hungary and the United States both play essential roles in ensuring energy security through nuclear power, and the potential for technological collaboration in this sector is promising.

Westinghouse, a global leader in nuclear technology, was highlighted as a key partner in the development of small modular nuclear power plants. These advanced power plants, which can be built in a shorter time frame and produce large quantities of electricity efficiently, offer an environmentally friendly solution to energy needs. Hungary has expressed strong interest in developing this technology in partnership with Westinghouse, reinforcing its commitment to energy independence and sustainability.

Szijjártó also reflected on the broader geopolitical landscape, noting that Europe’s ongoing economic, political, and moral crisis is evident even from across the Atlantic. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong national identities during these challenging times and voiced concerns over attacks on patriotic political forces simply for winning national elections. “There is a great need for patriotic forces to join hands now,” he declared, reinforcing Hungary’s commitment to defending sovereignty and stability.

With a renewed emphasis on energy security, diplomatic cooperation, and shared values, the meeting between Péter Szijjártó and Marco Rubio solidified Hungary’s strong partnership with the United States. As both nations look ahead, their collaboration promises to bring greater prosperity and security to the region, with peace remaining a central goal.