Sweden’s prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, has accepted the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán’s, proposal to hold talks, Ednews reports citing The Guardian.
Hungary’s parliament has yet to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership, fuelling frustration across the alliance as Budapest had repeatedly pledged not be the last to sign off.
Earlier in the week, Orbán wrote to his Swedish counterpart suggesting a meeting.
In a letter published by Sweden’s SVT today, Kristersson wrote:
I agree with you that a more intensive political dialogue between our countries would be beneficial. There are, as you mention, several issues of common interest – bilaterally, with our cooperation on the Gripen fighter aircraft; in the EU, in view of your upcoming presidency; and of course, within Nato, as allies.
The completion of the ratification process of Sweden’s NATO membership in the Hungarian parliament will create a solid foundation to move ahead in our bilateral relationship, and to reinforce mutual understanding and trust."
Orbán had said yesterday that he would urge Hungary’s parliament to vote in favour of Sweden’s membership. Today, however, the speaker of Hungary’s parliament, László Kövér, said there was no urgency on the matter.