Minister of Defence of Hungary has had talks with High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security of the European Union.

Catherine Ashton was received by Minister of Defence Csaba Hende, Administrative State Secretary Lajos Fodor and General Tibor Benkő. During the talks conducted in a friendly atmosphere the participants reviewed how the Hungarian EU Presidency and the MoD would support the duties of the High Representative in the first half of 2011. During the meeting several issues concerning EU Common Security and Defence Policy were discussed. The parties agreed to have a close cooperation between the Hungarian MoD and the staff of the High Representative according to the Lisbon Treaty.Catherine Ashton was accompanied by Alexandra Knapton, member of the Cabinet of the High Representative.
The members of the Hungarian delegation included Péter Siklósi Deputy State Secretary, Péter Sztáray Deputy State Secretary for Security Policy, MFA, and Károly Grúber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Following the talks Catherine Ashton High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence Csaba Hende went to the Parliament to participate the joint session of the Hungarian Government and the European Commission.

Translated by Dóra Darnyik