President calls for strong, successful Europe

Held ahead of the International Peace Forum, the bilateral talks focused on topical challenges, Novak said on Facebook.

After their talks, Novak and Larchet issued a joint statement, Novak’s office told MTI.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review topical EU related and bilateral issues, the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the impacts of the war, the office said in a statement.

Novak expressed hope that the two countries would in future deepen their relations in the spirit of pragmatism.

Larchet highlighted Hungary’s “unique mission” within the European Union and the importance of relations between the two countries.

Novak also held talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, whom she referred to as “an old friend, a strategic partner”, and said she was looking forward to “welcoming Serbia as a European Union member”.