Pompeo, Orban Discuss US-Hungary Security Ties, European Energy Diversification

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed strengthening US-Hungary security relations and European energy diversification during his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a statement

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th February, 2019) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed strengthening US-Hungary security relations and European energy diversification during his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a statement.

"Pompeo met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest today to discuss US-Hungary bilateral relations, including ongoing US efforts to bolster the US-Hungary security relationship, counter Russian aggression, and strengthen NATO," Palladino said on Monday.

The two politicians also discussed the need for Central European energy diversification, EU integration for the Western Balkans, and the Transatlantic relationship, he added.

Earlier in the day, Pompeo announced after a meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto that the two countries have reached a defense cooperation agreement.

Pompeo also said during a joint press conference with Szijjarto that the United States aims to increase its presence and "positive influence" in Central Europe through new cultural, economic and security initiatives.

Pompeo noted Washington's opposition to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, saying that the issue is not about simply selling gas, but it is a matter of national security.