Prőhle, deputy state secretary in charge of international and European Union affairs, briefed Melia, deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, about government measures for social inclusion and family policy.

He said Hungary was open to further consultations on ways to use experiences by the US and other states to deepen social integration.

Prőhle noted to Melia that Hungary had initiated the European Roma strategy during the country’s EU presidency in 2011. Accordingly, the government’s dedication to finding the best solutions applicable to local conditions has remained unchanged, he added.

The sides were in agreement at the meeting that the arrival of US Ambassador Colleen Bell in Budapest marked the “start of a new era in bilateral relations”, which is also supported by a social security agreement signed by Bell and Human Resources Minister Zoltan Balog.

Central and eastern European energy supply and bilateral issues were in the focus of talks between Melia and parliamentary state secretary László Szabó.

Szabó said that Hungary counted on European Union help and products from America’s shale gas market to ensure this.

In connection with Ukraine, Szabó confirmed that Hungary is committed to restoring the country’s territorial integrity and full sovereignty and it continues to supply Ukraine with gas and humanitarian assistance.

They discussed the situation of ethnic Hungarians in the western part of the country, and Melia emphasised that the US is paying special attention to its minorities, including to the Hungarian one.

Szabó expressed hope that “the two countries’ political relations will be raised to the same excellent level” that economic and security ties enjoy.

Source www.hungarymatters.hu

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