Hungary’s Orbán set to meet Trump to discuss potential economic deal

U.S. President welcomes Hungary's PM in Washington, U.S., May 13, 2019.
Reuters

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a potential landmark economic deal between Hungary and the United States.

The 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.

The U.S. in 2022 terminated its tax treaty with Hungary, effective January 2023.

Although Orbán has not yet held a bilateral meeting with Trump since the start of his current term, he has repeatedly expressed interest in securing an economic agreement. The Hungarian leader, who faces an election in 2026, has cultivated a strong personal rapport with Trump over the years. 

However, relations between the two countries have faced tensions, particularly over Orbán's pro-China policies and continued dependence on Russian crude and natural gas imports.

A 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.

"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," Orbán, a long-time Trump ally, told news site Mandiner in an interview.

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