Recalling his invitation to the Egypt-hosted peace summit, the prime minister described it as unexpected. “We knew the American president would visit the Knesset, but not that there would be such a world summit in Egypt. Not only was I called there suddenly, but the other leaders as well.” He explained that bringing together leaders from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar to confirm the Israel–Hamas agreement “required a very fortunate alignment of stars.” The success, he added, demanded “persistence and humility,” noting that “without the Americans’ humility, this would not have come about.”
The prime minister said Hungary’s presence was “no coincidence.” “We were there because that’s where we belong,” PM Orbán stated. “Since President Trump’s return, a global network has been forming among leaders who, in every armed conflict, look for peaceful solutions. Hungary is part of that network. We were on the side of peace even before it existed, and now we are officially part of it.” He added that this informal alliance reaches beyond Europe, mentioning recent talks in the Emirates, Qatar, and the Turkic states. “More than a dozen world leaders now support each other in the cause of peace,” he said.
PM Orbán also revealed that preparations are already underway for a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which could take place later this year. The prime minister said the summit will focus on economic cooperation between the two countries, highlighting that discussions will include the agreement on avoiding double taxation between Hungary and the United States. He added that the planned meeting comes at a time when political relations between Budapest and Washington have been restored, with several new U.S. investments already underway in Hungary.
Commenting on President Trump’s praise, who called him “a fantastic leader,” the prime minister said such gestures reflect solidarity within that network. “When it comes to peace, from Ukraine to the Middle East, the Hungarians can be counted on.” Turning to Ukraine, PM Orbán offered a sharp assessment. “President Trump would have made peace long ago if the Europeans hadn’t kept inciting Zelensky,” he said. “If we were rowing in the same boat as the Americans, there would already be peace. But the European leaders want to continue the war; they have a war strategy and a war plan.”
On the European Union’s current proposals regarding Ukraine, the prime minister made clear that Hungary will not support using frozen Russian assets or changing EU voting rules to push through Ukraine’s accession. “If Hungarian companies suffer losses because of this, I will not support it. My job is to make sure Hungarians don’t lose, but gain,” he said. The prime minister confirmed that a national petition is underway, calling on citizens who “do not want Ukraine in the EU, who do not want our sons in a Ukrainian war, and who do not want Hungarian money to go to Ukraine” to sign.
PM Orbán concluded with a message about Hungary’s steady approach to diplomacy and leadership. “We live from our work, not from prestige,” he said. “Hungary knows its size, its influence, and its capabilities. But when it comes to peace, and when there’s a need, you can always count on us.”