Hungary, Turkmenistan conclude political agreement on gas supplies - Hungarian FM

ASHGABAT. Aug 21 (Interfax) - Budapest and Ashgabat have concluded a political agreement on Turkmen gas supplies to Hungary, negotiations between the companies are next, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.

"On the side of Turkmenistan, the political will and political intention for Hungary to be one of the directions and transit countries for the potential supply of Turkmen gas to Europe is quite clear. The political agreement has been reached, now it's the companies' turn to continue trade negotiations," Szijjarto said in a video message broadcast on social media on Sunday.

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest on Sunday. The parties discussed not only energy, but also expanding cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food industry, water management, education, and culture, the Hungarian MTI news agency said.

The Turkmen leader arrived in Budapest on Sunday on a working visit at Orban's invitation to attend the festivities on St. Istvan's Day, a main Hungarian public holiday.

Berdimuhamedov will also be among the guests of honor at the World Athletics Championships, which is underway in the Hungarian capital.