Swedish premier meets with Hungarian counterpart ahead of final vote on its NATO bid

BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 24. A positive
atmosphere prevailed at a meeting of Hungarian Prime Minister
Viktor Orban with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson held in
Budapest just days before the Hungarian parliament’s expected vote
on Sweden’s NATO bid on Monday, Trend reports.

During a joint press conference following their meeting, Orban described it as a significant step in the ongoing process of rebuilding trust between the two nations.

He emphasized the importance of taking time to repair the damaged trust between Hungary and Sweden, highlighting that being NATO allies requires mutual respect and a willingness to support each other.

Kristersson expressed gratitude for the invitation to the meeting and acknowledged the fruitful discussions on defense and security cooperation between their countries.

Both leaders confirmed the signing of a bilateral agreement to continue cooperation on the Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen war jets, with Hungary extending the lease of 14 jets and purchasing four more from Sweden starting in 2026.

Kristersson praised Hungary’s contribution to NATO’s Air Policing operation in the Baltic Sea and emphasized the strengthening of European security through the agreement.

Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party proposed a vote on Sweden’s NATO membership bid for the following Monday, with Sweden requiring approval from 31 NATO member states to join the alliance.

Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine in 2022, with Hungary being the only NATO ally yet to approve Sweden’s membership after Turkey’s recent approval.