By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) - Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Thursday agreed to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, in a bid to resolve differences surrounding Hungary's delayed ratification of Sweden's NATO membership.
Kristersson responded positively to an invitation from Orban, expressing his willingness to engage in a more intensive political dialogue between the two nations.
In a letter published by public broadcaster SVT, Kristersson acknowledged the importance of fostering a deeper understanding on various fronts.
"I agree with you that a more intensive political dialogue between our countries would be beneficial," Kristersson wrote. "There are, as you mention, several issues of common interest — bilaterally, with our co-operation on the Gripenfighter aircraft; in the EU, in view of your upcoming Presidency [of the Council of the EU]; and, of course, within NATO, as Allies."
"I look forward to discussing all these issues with you in more depth in Budapest at a time convenient for both of us," Kristersson added, suggesting a willingness to engage in open and constructive dialogue.
He also mentioned an already scheduled meeting on Feb. 1 in Brussels during an EU leaders' summit, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration within the European context.
Orban, who had invited Kristersson to Hungary earlier this week, told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday his government supports Sweden's membership and will urge the parliament to vote in favor of its accession.
The remarks came a day after the Turkish parliament on Tuesday ratified Sweden's membership in a 287 to 55 vote.
Admission of a new member requires the unanimous support of NATO's members, and Hungary is the last member of the 31-member military alliance not to have given its approval.
Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership in May 2022 following Russia's war on Ukraine earlier that year. Finland joined the alliance as its 31st member in April 2023.