PM Orbán holds talks with IOC president Thomas Bach

PM Orbán holds talks with IOC president Thomas Bach. Photo: MTI

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed topical international sports matters and Hungarian aid provided to Ukrainian athletes with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, in Budapest on Monday.

The meeting was also attended by Zsolt Gyulay, head of the Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB), Pál Schmitt, Hungary’s former president, Balázs Fürjes, a state secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, and IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper.

The sports officials praised Budapest’s role as a sporting capital and the major sporting events it hosts like the ongoing World Aquatics Championships and next year’s World Athletics Championships.

Orbán and Bach underscored the importance of establishing peace in Ukraine as soon as possible, noting the ability of sports and the Olympic movement to promote peace.

They also discussed the joint efforts of the IOC, sports federations, charity organisations and the Hungarian government that have brought nearly 100 Ukrainian athletes safely to Hungary.