Putin: Moscow Satisfied With Russia-Hungary Ties Despite Trade Decline

Russia is satisfied with the relations with Hungary despite a decline in trade, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday at a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia and Hungary’s bilateral trade decreased in volume by 40 percent in 2015, falling to $4.7 billion.

"I would like to note at the beginning of our meeting that we are satisfied with the nature and quality of our relations, despite known issues and the decline in trade," Putin said.

Outlining steps to preserve and strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations amid the European Union’s sanctions policy toward Russia, the volatility of foreign exchange markets and the overall instability of the world economy are among top issues on the agenda of the ongoing talks between the Russian leader and Orban.

In 2014, the European Union imposed sanctions on several key sectors of the Russian economy over its alleged interference in Ukraine’s internal affairs, a claim Moscow has repeatedly denied.