Zoltán Balog, Minister of Human Resources, Hungary, was presented with the third highest ranked German Order of Merit, the Grand Merit Cross with Star and Sash (Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Schulterband) by Dr. Matei I. Hoffmann, Ambassador to Hungary of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Minister Balog received the Order of Merit in honour of his efforts in protecting minority and human rights.

Among others, Joseph Ratzinger, later Benedict XVI, Supreme Pontiff Emeritus, former President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering and contemporary dance artist and choreographer Pina Bausch, have been honoured with the same Order of Merit previously.

(Ministry of Human Resources)