BUDAPEST, Oct 16 (Reuters) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on Wednesday evening that he anticipates an upcoming meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump to advance discussions on a bilateral economic arrangement. n nOrban disclosed that a tentative date has been set, with approximately 80% of the negotiation framework already completed. He explained that once the final 20% is settled in coordination with American counterparts, both sides will jointly determine the timing for publicly announcing the meeting. n nThe Hungarian leader, known for his close alignment with Trump, shared these remarks during an interview with Mandiner, a Hungarian news outlet. He emphasized Budapest’s interest in including a tax treaty aimed at preventing double taxation, alongside broader investment initiatives, in the agenda. n nThe U.S. ended its prior tax agreement with Hungary in 2022, with the termination taking effect in January 2023. Orban has previously expressed optimism about a renewed partnership under a potential second Trump administration, envisioning what he described as a ‘golden era’ in bilateral relations, despite past U.S. tariffs affecting European economies, including Hungary’s auto industry. n nAlthough no official bilateral meeting has occurred between Orban and Trump since the latter’s presidency began, the Hungarian premier has consistently signaled his desire for deeper economic cooperation. With national elections scheduled for 2026, Orban has worked to maintain a strong personal connection with Trump, whose supporters in the U.S. often align with Orban’s strict immigration policies. n nNonetheless, diplomatic strains have emerged due to Hungary’s foreign policy choices, particularly its engagement with China and continued reliance on Russian crude oil and natural gas. A positive development occurred recently when the U.S. reinstated Hungary’s participation in the visa waiver program, signaling a potential thaw in relations. n— news from Reuters
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Hungary’s Orban expects to meet Trump to discuss economic agreement, media reports
BUDAPEST, Oct 16 (Reuters) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said late on Wednesday that he expects to meet U.S. President Donald Trump soon to discuss an economic agreement between the two countries. n n”There is a date, and the negotiating agenda is around 80% (ready). When we can agree with the Americans on the remaining 20%, we will decide together with the Americans when to announce the meeting, and then it will happen,” Orban, a long-time Trump ally, told news site Mandiner in an interview. n nSign up here. n nThe nationalist Hungarian premier said Budapest would like to have the tax treaty on the prevention of double taxation on its agenda, among other issues and investments. n nThe U.S. in 2022 terminated its tax treaty with Hungary, effective January 2023. n nOrban had envisioned a “golden era” in U.S.-Hungary relations under Trump ‘s presidency, despite tariffs imposed on the European Union that hurt Hungary ‘s car-reliant economy. n nAlthough Orban has not held a bilateral meeting with Trump since his presidency began, he has repeatedly signalled interest in an economic agreement. n nThe Hungarian leader, who faces an election in 2026, has cultivated a strong personal rapport with Trump over the years. His hardline anti-immigration stance has earned him support among MAGA-aligned circles in the United States. n nHowever, relations between the two countries have faced tensions, particularly over Orban ‘s pro-China policies and continued dependence on Russian crude and natural gas imports. n nA tangible sign of improved ties under the Trump administration came last month when the U.S. fully restored Hungary ‘s status in its visa waiver program.