The areas of energy, environmental protection and agriculture offer opportunities to deepen business cooperation between Hungary and Lebanon, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Tuesday, after meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati.

At a joint press conference, Viktor Orbán highlighted that he holds Lebanese democracy in high regard since despite the complicated political situation in the region, the country has been able to create a system which deeply respects the freedoms of religion and expression, as well as human rights. He also noted that Hungary's foreign policy and Lebanese diplomacy share the same views, and that Hungary supports Lebanon's efforts to preserve the country's sovereignty as well as its peace-building role in the region.

The talks focused primarily on economic issues, in relation to opportunities for the two governments to make bilateral cooperation more beneficial to the business community. The areas of energy, environment protection, and agriculture could see positive developments already in 2013.

It has also been concluded that in the framework of a scholarship programme, from next year on, hundreds of Lebanese students could begin their studies at Hungarian universities, while Hungarian students are also welcome in Lebanon. Furthermore, the two parties agreed that visa requirements for Lebanese citizens visiting Hungary will be significantly eased.

Bilateral political and economic ties were also reviewed, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said. He added that a business forum will take place in Budapest next week, explaining that it is a common goal to create an attractive investment environment.

(MTI, Prime Minister’s Office)