Viktor Zubkov and Tamas Fellegi discussed the progress of key Russian-Hungarian trade and economic projects, primarily work on the South Stream gas pipeline.

"Russia and Hungary's cooperative work on the South Stream project will help boost Europe's energy security, which is an important goal Hungary has set for its EU presidency," Mr Zubkov said.

"Russian specialists are ready and willing to take part in the Hungarian Paks Nuclear Power Plant upgrade and expansion project. Russia has, at its disposal, a wealth of advanced technology in the field of nuclear energy, and we view Paks as one of the largest, most promising joint projects in the energy sector," he added.

"Russian metro builders could help with work to expand and modernise the Budapest metro. This could also prove a fruitful avenue for cooperation," Mr Zubkov said.

The two officials also noted the rapid growth of bilateral trade, which increased by almost 40% in the period from January to April (inclusive) this year, exceeding $3.3 billion. Agricultural cooperation will contribute to further trade expansion, also at the interregional level. A regional cooperation agreement is currently in the final stages of development, and that will certainly encourage further cooperation.

Viktor Zubkov and Tamas Fellegi co-chair the Russian-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.