Amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and domestic political landscapes, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Thursday in Subotica, Serbia, to publicly reaffirm a deepening strategic partnership. The two leaders,both facing scrutiny from Western allies,underscored collaboration on key infrastructure projects and energy security during the meeting,which included the joint acceptance of the István Pásztor Award a prize recognizing cross-border cooperation. The visit signals a continued alignment between Belgrade and Budapest despite increasing external pressures.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reaffirmed their close relationship Thursday, highlighting economic cooperation and mutual support during a joint appearance in Subotica, Serbia. The meeting comes as both leaders face domestic and international challenges, and underscores a strategic alliance between the two nations.
Orbán traveled to Subotica to accept the István Pásztor Award alongside Vučić, an honor bestowed upon them for the second time this year. Vučić expressed his honor at receiving the award with Orbán, stating, “As a Serb, I am proud of the friendship with Viktor Orbán, and we will be proud of this even when neither of us is in power.”
Vučić emphasized Hungary’s consistent support for Serbia during difficult periods, citing assistance provided during the migration crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent energy crisis. He lauded Orbán as a leader who has elevated Hungary’s profile on the European and global stage, and who possesses the ability to directly negotiate solutions with U.S. President Biden on key issues.
“He has built friendships in places where others didn’t even bother to try, looking for reasons for petty disputes and obscuring results,” Vučić said.
Following the award ceremony, Vučić shared on Facebook that he and Orbán enjoyed a conversation at a local winery in the Vojvodina region, discussing joint projects, the future of Serbian-Hungarian relations, and their ongoing collaborative efforts.
During a joint press conference, Orbán addressed the impact of U.S. sanctions related to oil imports, stating that his priorities are to secure an exemption for Hungary and to ensure a continued supply of oil and gas. “My first task is to arrange for Hungary to be excluded from the scope of American sanctions,” he explained. “The second is to now ensure that there is also gasoline, that is, not just paper and permits, but material – oil and gas – in the coming days. I will be holding talks for this purpose tomorrow, hopefully with success, and then there will also be gasoline and there will also be an exemption from sanctions, meaning that Russian oil and gas will continue to reach Hungary. And if we have it, you will have it too, because the answer to the question of how we can help you is a simple one: we will share with you what we have.”
Orbán also highlighted the strategic importance of the Serbia-Hungary oil pipeline, a project he and Vučić jointly decided to pursue. The pipeline is intended to enhance energy security for both countries.
Vučić, meanwhile, expressed optimism that a high-speed rail line connecting Belgrade and Budapest will be operational by mid-April of next year, reducing travel time between the two capitals to 2 hours and 45 minutes. He announced this timeline during the press conference. The railway project represents a significant investment in regional infrastructure and connectivity.
