Human Resources Minister Zoltán Balog celebrated Saint Stephen's Day, Hungary's national holiday, with ethnic Hungarians in the Slovenian city of Lendava (Lendva) on Sunday.

Balog participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at a statue of Saint Stephen and gave a speech. He said the Hungarians living there "have two states", which should be an advantage, not a disadvantage to them.

Balog met with Ziga Turk, Slovenia's culture minister, and representatives of the local Hungarian community during his visit.

Turk asked Hungary to provide more support for its ethnic Slovenian minority, living mainly along the two countries' border.

The two ministers agreed on the need to prevent "arousing hostile feelings against indigenous ethnic communities on the pretext of welfare crisis".

Unfortunately, such voices can be heard in Slovenia, even if not from officialdom, Balog said, adding that such attempts should be resisted and "the honour of Hungarians should be protected" both in Slovenia and other neighbouring countries.

Slovenia has a Hungarian minority of around 6,000, living mainly in the country's northernmost part.

(MTI)