Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is seeking to find time for a visit to Budapest in an effort to secure Hungary's approval for Sweden's NATO application.

While Hungary has indicated a preference for Kristersson to visit before the parliamentary vote on Sweden's application, the Swedish prime minister has not confirmed whether the visit will take place prior to the approval.

Previously, Kristersson had stated that a visit would be more natural after Hungary's approval, as NATO allies.

Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrm expects a positive response from Hungary soon after their parliament reconvenes on February 26 following a winter break.

Billstrm emphasized the urgency of completing the ratification process and noted that Sweden has met all requirements for membership.

Despite the push from Hungarian officials for a pre-vote visit, Kristersson maintains that the planned trip is not for negotiating membership but for discussing mutual interests within NATO.

The political dynamics in Hungary have turned Sweden's NATO membership into a contentious domestic issue, with the opposition pushing for a prompt vote, but the ruling party, Fidesz, has been absent from an extraordinary parliamentary session, preventing a vote from taking place.