Hungary considers Russia an important partner, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said before talks with counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday. Russia plays an exceptionally important role in energy supplies to central Europe, he said. „We are glad that we can work together in increasing energy security for the region,” he added. Mr Szijjarto also said that it is in Hungary’s interest that practical and constructive cooperation should be rebuilt between Europe and Russia. This is the first time that Mr Szijjarto is visiting Russia as foreign minister.