Hungary's prime minister says new gas supply deal reached with Russia during Putin's visit

Published December 10, 2015

Sympathizers of Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrate to express their support for Putin in front of the Russian Embassy in Budapest during the one-day working visit of Putin in the Hungarian capital Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. The inscription at left reads "Thank you, Russia". (AP Photo/MTI, Janos Marjai) (The Associated Press)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shake hands during their meeting at the parliament building in Budapest, Hungary, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. Putin is on a one-day working visit in the Hungarian capital. (AP Photo/RIA Novosti, Alexei Druzhinin, Presidential Press Service) (The Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, laysa wreath at the Soviet War Memorial in the Fiume Street National Graveyard in Budapest, Hungary, Tuesday, Febr. 17, 2015. Putin is staying on a one-day working visit in the Hungarian capital. (AP Photo/MTI, Tamas Kovacs) (The Associated Press)

Hungary's prime minister says his country has reached a "political agreement" with Moscow on a new gas deal, Hungary's main aim in hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Tuesday after his meeting with Putin that only "technical" details needed to be finalized on the deal which will replace a 20-year contract expiring in December.

Orban said "Hungary needs Russia" and it was important for Russia to be open to Hungarian products, which have been affected by Russia's ban on EU imports — a countermeasure to EU sanctions against Russia because of the Ukraine crisis.

Orban visited Putin last January when they agreed for Russia to expand Hungary's sole nuclear power plant while providing 10 billion euros ($11.4 billion) to help cover construction costs.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/hungarys-prime-minister-says-new-gas-supply-deal-reached-with-russia-during-putins-visit