“It is in the interest of Hungary, Europe and, I believe, the whole world that a US-Russia agreement is concluded on a Syria settlement as soon as possible. At the same time … it would be not too pessimistic to say that we are currently the furthest away from that, taking into account the events of recent years,” he told the press.

It is a priority interest for Hungary that conflicts in the vicinity of Europe are resolved as soon as possible by the countries that can exert such an influence, he added. Szijjarto said Hungary most resolutely condemns the use of all chemical weapons and “all we can do is express our hope that such things will not happen in the future”.

In response to a question, he said the Hungarian government’s position has always been clear: the fight against terrorism, with Syria the main battleground, is one of the most important duties of the civilised world.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.