BUDAPEST, October 1. /TASS/. The Hungarian government takes note of Russia’s expulsion of Hungarian diplomats and is not interested in escalating tensions in relations with Russia, the Foreign Ministry said in response to a TASS request to comment on Russia’s decision to expel several Hungarian diplomats.

"The Hungarian government takes note of the Russian side’s decision, which we view as a retaliatory measure in response to actions previously taken by Hungary. Hungary is not interested in escalating diplomatic tensions. However, it firmly adheres to its previous decision, which was made for reasons of national security. The continued operation of our missions in Russia is ensured, and Hungary’s diplomatic presence in the country is maintained," the ministry said in a statement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has ordered a group of employees of the Hungarian embassy in Moscow and the Hungarian consulates general in St. Petersburg and Kazan to leave Russia in response to Hungary’s September 8 expulsion of ten Russian diplomats under the pretext of protecting national security.

Moscow regards the action as unfriendly. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this step would not go unanswered, adding, however, that Russia is interested in maintaining and further developing ties with Hungary.