Orban meets Xi as part of what he termed "peacekeeping mission"

(MENAFN) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's whirlwind diplomatic efforts took him to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of what he termed a "peacekeeping mission." Orban, who arrived in Beijing following visits to Kiev and Moscow, highlighted China's pivotal role in fostering conditions for peace amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In a statement posted on social media, Orban underscored China's significance in global peace efforts, emphasizing his visit just two months after Xi Jinping's official trip to Budapest. The details of Orban's meeting with Xi Jinping have not yet been disclosed, but the visit marks a significant continuation of his diplomatic engagements in the region.

Orban's diplomatic journey began with an unannounced visit to Kiev, where he proposed a swift ceasefire initiative to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Following his discussions in Kiev, Orban proceeded to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at finding expedient solutions to the ongoing conflict. Despite diplomatic efforts, Orban acknowledged the considerable gap between Moscow and Kiev's positions, noting Zelensky's reluctance to embrace his proposals while Putin reiterated Moscow's commitment to negotiating an end to hostilities.

The Hungarian leader's direct engagement with Putin drew criticism from European Union counterparts, with Ukrainian authorities expressing displeasure over Orban's unilateral approach to engaging with Russia without prior coordination.

Orban's meetings in Beijing, Moscow, and Kiev underscore Hungary's proactive stance in seeking to mediate and facilitate dialogue amidst the protracted crisis in Eastern Europe, amidst ongoing scrutiny and reaction from regional and international stakeholders.

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