Hungarian PM meets Berri, Sleiman and Mikati

Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, met on Thursday with Lebanese Speaker, Nabih Berri, where they discussed means to boost Hungarian-Lebanese bilateral relations, as well as the critical situation in Syria and its repercussions on Lebanon.       

Orban expressed his country's keenness on bolstering relations between Lebanon and Arab countries, especially Lebanon, while Berri stressed that Europe has an essential role seeking a solution to the Syrian crisis.       

Earlier on Thursday Orban met with President Michel Sleiman, who thanked Hungary for its contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.        

Orban stated that his country is willing to boost military cooperation between the Lebanese and Hungarian armies.       

Discussions between Sleiman and the Hungarian PM also tackled the situation in the Middle East and Syria and the need for Lebanon to harbor Syrian refugees.      

Later, the Hungarian Prime Minister also met with his Lebanese counterpart, Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail, where he stressed the need to maintain stability in Lebanon, noting that his meeting with Mikati was a success since they signed agreements of trade and cooperation between both countries.           

“Lebanon's political system is very important and we have directed great attention to the country given the regional situation,” he said.In turn, Miqati described Orban's visit as successful, pointing out that Hungary and Lebanon are keen on bolstering economic ties.              

Commenting on the Syrian situation, Mikati stressed that Lebanon is applying the disassociation policy regarding the situation in Syria, stating that "ending the bloodshed in Damascus and then reaching a political solution are among the priorities.”