Diplomacy

The pro-government forum CÖF-CÖKA has criticised payments amounting to a good 170 million forints (around 425,000 euros), which the outgoing US ambassador David Pressman distributed to left-liberal media at the last minute.

Minister Szijjártó said the European Union could benefit from closer cooperation with the Gulf Region in light of the region's marked improvement in competitiveness, even as the EU's competitiveness had declined.

The prime minister said Georgia was ready for EU membership and should be allowed to join as soon as possible.

Minister Szijjártó said Donald Trump's inauguration marked "a new era in world politics".

Given Ukraine's decision to halt gas shipments, the two countries' energy security was high on the agenda.

Minister Szijjártó said cooperation was on the verge of a "new golden age" as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President-elect Donald Trump "are clearly political allies.

Minister Nagy said the government is eagerly awaiting the start of Donald Trump's presidential term.

"Chad is key to the stability of the whole Sahel region and Hungary stands by its government in its efforts for sovereignty and security," the prime minister said.

Minister Szijjártó said Hungary had a vested interest in the stability and peace of the Middle East and paid special attention to Christian communities living in the region.

Radoslaw Sikorski sent a diplomatic note to the ambassador on Friday, saying he was "not welcome" at the opening event of Poland's EU presidency.