On 19 January 2012 Minister without portfolio for negotiations between Hungary and certain international financial organisations Tamás Fellegi continued his informal consultations in Vienna to prepare the official negotiations on Hungary’s loan application.

He confirmed that the Hungarian Government was determined to broker an agreement with IMF and the EU as soon as possible, and was committed to taking the actions that were significant for macroeconomic stability and the combat against economic downturn.

The minister met Austrian central bank governor Ewald Nowotny and deputy governor Wolfgang Duchatczek. Tamás Fellegi also had talks with Austria’s Finance Minister Maria Fekter. During both discussions, the parties overviewed the recent economic developments in Hungary and agreed that the intensive bilateral dialogue needed to be continued.

20 January, 2012 Tamás Fellegi’s delegation will consult Olli Rehn, deputy head of the EC and European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs in Brussels. Subsequently, the minister will conduct negotiations, among others, with Council Director General of Economic and Social Matters Carsten Pillath, Belgian Finance Minister Steven Vanackere, commissioner responsible for employment, social affairs and inclusion László Andor, and will meet Chief Executive Officer of KBC, Jan Vanhevel.

(Press Office for Tamás Fellegi, Minister without Portfolio)