Rubio signals strengthening US-Hungary ties, Trump visit possible
Recent statements from U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán indicate a warming relationship between the United States and Hungary, wiht a potential visit from former President Donald Trump on the horizon.
During a joint press conference in Budapest on February 26, 2024, Rubio, speaking on behalf of the U.S. State Department, emphasized the importance of cooperation with Hungary. “It is in our best interest,” Rubio stated, adding that the close and amiable relationship between Trump and Orbán yields concrete benefits for both countries. “The future depends on the voters,we like the Hungarians,” he added,as reported by Reuters.
Orbán reiterated his standing invitation for Trump to visit Hungary. Rubio confirmed Trump’s desire to visit, though a specific date remains unconfirmed, dependent on the former President’s schedule. Politico reported that Rubio’s visit to Hungary is part of a broader effort by some Republicans to maintain ties with Orbán’s government despite concerns about democratic backsliding.
Orbán also highlighted the need for swift responses to rapidly changing global events, stating, “We must react as quickly as the americans do.” He indicated a decision regarding Trump’s visit would be forthcoming in the near future.
The discussions point to a deepening of ties between the two nations. The U.S. has expressed support for Hungary’s stability and economic growth, viewing the collaboration as strategically beneficial on both political and economic fronts. This comes despite ongoing concerns from the Biden management and some within the EU regarding rule of law and democratic principles in Hungary. [The Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/hungary-rubio-trump-orban-us-ties-99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999