Deputy State Secretary Péter Wintermantel visited Israel to present the Hungarian government’s position regarding issues connected to the 2014 Holocaust Memorial Year and preparations for the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties.

Mr. Wintermantel said that his delegation met Raphael Schutz, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General for European Affairs, as well as the deputy director generals in charge for strategic affairs, foreign affairs planning and the Middle-East region. Parties reviewed the most important current issues in Hungarian–Israeli relations and regional security. The meeting was part of regular bilateral consultations.

Mr. Wintermantel stated that they also discussed the summoning of the Hungarian ambassador to the foreign ministry last week, and he informed his negotiating partners about the Hungarian Government's decision made on Wednesday to postpone the unveiling of the monument commemorating the victims of German occupation.

“We were in agreement that withdrawing these issues from the election campaign and returning to them after the elections in a calmer atmosphere is a favourable development. Until then, dialogue needs to be maintained between the Government and the Jewish organisations,” he added.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)