Viktor Orban emerged from diplomatic isolation to meet with Serbian President Aleksandr Vucic. The two are Russia’s only allies in Europe

Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister, on Saturday had one of the few breaks out of the diplomatic isolation he has been subjected to by Western partners after he impressed upon his government a position close to Russia. He met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Russia’s other ally in Europe, in Novi Sad on Saturday.

The Hungarian opposition press has repeatedly written about how Hungary has been completely ignored by EU and NATO presidents, prime ministers, and ministers who have made dozens of visits to Eastern European states since Russia invaded Ukraine. The reason for the diplomatic blockade is Viktor Orban’s policy of closeness to Moscow, even after the invasion of Ukraine.

The two leaders discussed joint investment projects in Novi Sad. „When many in Brussels are silent, our Hungarian friends are raising their voices in defense of Serbia,” said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, quoted by the Hungarian news agency MTI.

The Serbian president announced the launch of a 200 km/h express train between Belgrade and Novi Sad and the renovation of the 60-year-old Novi Sad railway station. The section between the two cities is part of the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed rail link, which, once completed, will take less than three hours to travel more than 300 km between the two capitals, compared with the current eight hours.

The realization of the two-way electrified railway line between Budapest and Belgrade requires the renovation of a 350 km long railway section, of which 166 km run through Hungary and 184 km through Serbia. In addition to passenger traffic, this route will be able to handle significant freight traffic. According to the plans, the fastest route for Chinese cargo destined for Western Europe unloaded at the port of Piraeus, will pass through Serbia and Hungary. The complete renovation and modernization is expected to be completed by 2025.

Translated from Romanian.