Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed readiness for “intensive cooperation” with Hungary’s incoming leadership following a major political shift in the country, while also thanking outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for years of close ties.
Fico congratulated Hungary’s new leader, Péter Magyar, after his centre-right Tisza party secured a parliamentary majority in Sunday’s election, ending Orbán’s 16-year rule.
“With full respect, I take note of the decision of the citizens of Hungary … and am ready for intensive cooperation with the new Hungarian prime minister, whom I congratulate on the election result,” Fico said in an official statement.
Fico, who returned to power in 2023, emphasized that Slovakia remains committed to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Hungary, particularly in protecting shared energy interests. He noted that cooperation in the energy sector remains a key government priority.
Under Fico and Orbán, Slovakia and Hungary have maintained close political ties, often aligning on foreign policy positions and pursuing warmer relations with Moscow. Both countries have also opposed several European Union sanctions on Russia and continued importing Russian oil and gas.
The two governments have also pushed for the restoration of Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, which has been inactive since January after reported damage in Ukraine. Kyiv has attributed the disruption to a Russian strike.
Fico said he believes Slovakia, Hungary, and Central Europe still have a strong interest in resuming pipeline operations. He added that joint efforts with Hungary to safeguard energy security remain unchanged.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said repair work on the pipeline is expected to be completed in spring, despite ongoing tensions between Kyiv and the Slovak-Hungarian leadership over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In a separate Facebook statement, Fico described Slovak-Hungarian relations as being at an “exceptionally high level,” while also praising Orbán for his cooperation and defense of national sovereignty and interests during his tenure.