Indications that Donald Trump plans to visit Hungary during the decisive election campaign for Viktor Orban

US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in which he confirmed his desire to visit Hungary in the near future, Euronews and Reuters report.

The White House leader announced a visit to Hungary at the invitation of Orbán, as Hungary prepares for decisive elections in April.

According to a letter published by Orban, Trump praised what he called the “golden era of US-Hungarian relations” and emphasized his interest in deepening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defense, energy and the joint fight against illegal migration.

“Your leadership is an example to others around the world. You have consistently stood up for the principles that make Hungary strong — faith, family and national sovereignty — and America respects that courage,” Trump wrote in the Dec. 10 letter.

Trump welcomed Orban to Washington last November for talks, where Hungary secured a one-year exemption from secondary US tariffs affecting Russian oil exports, avoiding a price hike that would have severely damaged Hungary's economy. Orbán invited Trump to Hungary at the time.

“I am honored by your invitation to visit Hungary. My team will contact you shortly to coordinate scheduling,” Trump wrote in his letter.

On Monday, Orban said a “high-ranking” US politician was likely to visit ahead of elections expected to be held in April.

“I wish you the best of luck”

The visit seems to coincide with the electoral campaign in Hungary ahead of the important elections in April, notes Euronews.

According to opinion polls, Orban's opponent, the opposition Tisza party led by Peter Magyar, is ahead of the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition.

Nationalist Orban faces what could be his toughest challenge in his 16 years in power because of a combination of factors: Hungary's economic stagnation, the rising cost of living and the juvenile center abuse scandal that propelled Peter Magyar.

In his message, Trump also referred to the election campaign.

“I wish you the best of luck in the upcoming election campaign,” the US president wrote.

The Trump administration said in a controversial national security document released last year that it would foster relations with parties and governments opposed to the EU's “current trajectory” domestically.

In November, Trump praised Orban as a “great leader” and praised his efforts to combat illegal migration.