WORLD NEWS
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is scheduled to meet with former US President Donald Trump on Thursday in Florida, according to reports from multiple sources. The agenda of the meeting has not been explicitly stated, but discussions are expected to touch upon various international issues, including the conflict in Ukraine.
Reuters, citing informed sources, reported that the meeting would address geopolitical matters, with a focus on Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
Orban's visit to the United States coincides with his attendance at the NATO summit in Washington, DC, where discussions on global security and defense are underway. His recent diplomatic moves have sparked controversy, particularly following visits to Beijing and Moscow, where he positioned himself as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Hungarian leader's interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have drawn scrutiny, given Hungary's unique stance within the European Union (EU). Orban has been criticized by EU officials for his divergent policies, including opposition to EU-backed initiatives supporting Ukraine.
Orban's meetings abroad have raised concerns among EU member states, who assert that his actions do not necessarily reflect the consensus of the bloc. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that Orban's diplomatic efforts are independent of EU directives, underscoring the discord within European diplomacy.
As Orban navigates these international engagements, his meeting with former President Trump adds another layer of intrigue to Hungary's foreign policy approach under his leadership.