On 21 February 2012 János Martonyi paid an official visit to the Czech Republic. The Hungarian Foreign Minister participated in discussions with Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg and was received by President Václav Klaus and Miroslava Nemcová, Chairperson of the Lower House of the Parliament.

In the conversation with Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, the parties discussed the most significant EU and international issues. They devoted special attention to the EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, the advancement of the Eastern Partnership, the noteworthy developments in energy and security policy.

In the meetings, the parties pointed out that the Hungarian-Czech relations were excellent, open, and friendly. It is an important interest of the Visegrád countries to further strengthen their cooperation and enforce Central European solidarity on the level of the European Union as well. After the discussion with his partner, János Martonyi said the economies of the region were not performing poorly even in the current difficult situation.

Concerning the criticism of the work of the Hungarian Government, the Czech Foreign Minister emphasised that opinions might differ on the situation in Hungary, but it was groundless to doubt the Hungarian people’s commitment to democracy.

(kormany.hu)