Putin: "Our views on certain issues, including international affairs, do not necessarily converge...". Interpreter to Orbán: "Our cooperation at the international level is also good..."

High-level meetings have an unnoticed but key player: the interpreter. According to protocol, delegations bring their own interpreters for reasons that are understandable, as it is a matter of professionalism and trust that the negotiating party can rely on what they hear from them. This was no different on Friday, when Viktor Orbán was received by Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

The Russian President and the Hungarian Prime Minister spoke briefly in front of the cameras ahead of the talks. Beyond the usual polite greetings, there are plenty of elements here that can determine the mood of the negotiations between the parties. Considering the significance of this, Orbán may have heard a rather superficial interpretation of Putin's statements from the interpreter. The conversation is available to listen to at this link.

Below – excluding the polite greetings and closing remarks, which were translated correctly – is the verbatim transcript of Putin's greeting and the interpreter's translation, with a precise breakdown of what the president said and what the interpreter conveyed in each section. Putin's words are in bold, and the interpreter's translation in italics.

I am pleased to note that, regardless of the complexity of the current situation, our relations have been preserved and are developing.

I am very happy to be able to highlight that our relations are continuing to develop.

We are both aware that there have been different periods in our history, but the current relations are based on the best aspects of those periods and on pragmatism in the practical development of bilateral relations.

In fact, they are moving forward progressively, despite the difficult situation, and we are maintaining our friendly relations and ties.

We have known each other for a long time...

I am glad that you have come to visit us...

I know that in your work, you primarily have the interests of Hungary and the Hungarian people in mind.

I hope that we will now discuss further opportunities for cooperation and move forward with them.

Our views on certain issues, including international affairs, do not necessarily converge...

Our cooperation at the international level is also good...

But there is an atmosphere between us that allows us to discuss any issue openly.

So here we are cooperating and we are continuing to develop cooperation and work in all kinds of sectors.

This allows us not only to talk, but also to find solutions to any problems.

We don't just talk, but in fact we act on what we promise.

We are aware of your balanced opinion on the problems surrounding Ukraine (he repeated this a bit differently: "on the issue of Ukraine" – author's note).

And I know that international politics of course have an impact on you.

As far as bilateral relations are concerned, I regret to see that trade has declined compared to last year, mainly due to external restrictions, but still to a significant degree, by 23 percent.

Last year also brought changes, and it was not so easy for us either.

But there are also good prospects; this year we have already seen some growth, it is modest, but still more than 7 percent.

This year we are seeing a small increase, not too high, but still visible ...

Of course, we have deep cooperation in the field of energy,...

in energy and other sectors.

And there are issues and problems that we need to discuss.

And that is how we can further develop our economy.

Putin then welcomed Orbán once again, after which the Hungarian Prime Minister took over, with the Russian delegation's interpreter translating his words into Russian in accordance with protocol and in the appropriate professional quality. The statements made prior to the meeting can be read here.

We have contacted the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Government Information Center (KTK) with questions about the selection process for interpreters and the professional requirements. We will update our article when we receive their response.