Feb. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated President Donald Trump's support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Monday ahead of what is expected to be a close election.
Rubio said during a news conference with Orbán in Budapest that Trump is "deeply committed" to his success, adding that it is key to the United States' interests in Central Europe.
"That person-to-person connection that you've established with the president has made all the difference in the world in building this relationship," Rubio said.
Trump has endorsed Orbán, who has transformed Hungary's government into what he calls an "illiberal state." Orbán has peeled away at Hungary's system of checks and balances, moving closer to an autocratic government.
Orbán has also maintained close ties to Russia, relying on Russian energy. The United States has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions for continuing to use Russian oil and gas because of Orbán's relationship with Trump.
