Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog is in France between 3 and 6 November on an official visit, where amongst others he is meeting with five French Ministers, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland and will participate in „The future of the European Roma” conference in Strasbourg.

On 3 November, the Minister visited Hungarian artist Judit Reigl, who has been living in France since the 1950s, and is the most famous artist among contemporary Hungarian painters. Her works can be found, among others, in the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and as part of the permanent exhibition of the Tate Modern in London. Minister Balog congratulated Ms Reigl, who was awarded the highest Hungarian arts acknowledgement, the Kossuth award last year, after which they discussed her work, inspirations and philosophy.

On Sunday, Minister Balog held a festive service at the Église réformée du Saint Esprit on the request of the 85-year-old Hungarian Reformed Congregation in Paris.

On 5 November, the Minister is travelling to Strasbourg where he will meet with the city’s mayor and speak at „The future of the European Roma” conference. Following that, he will hold talks with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland, then return to Paris where he will meet with the Minister for Women’s Rights and the Minister for Higher Education and Research.

On his last day in France, Minister Balog will hold discussions with Minister for Communication and Cultural Affairs and his counterpart responsible for employment affairs. His visit will be concluded by meeting the French Minister for Social Affairs and Health.

Minister Balog is on a four-day visit in France meeting with several high-profile officials.

(Ministry of Human Resources)