President of Latvia: Hungarian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe comes at a time when European values need to be defended Published: 05.03.2021. Egils Levits Péter Szijjárto, Hungary’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, met with President of Latvia at the Riga Castle on 5 March. Meeting focused on priorities of the coming Hungarian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe (CoE) and broader international agenda. Hungary will assume the rotating Council of Europe chairmanship this May. Hungarian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe comes at a time when European values need to be defended, said President Levits, while also asking Hungarian Foreign Minister to share additional details about Hungary’s chairmanship plans. Minister Szijjárto explained that Hungary intends to focus its chairmanship on the role of family in modern society and influence of Christian values on European historic and cultural landscape. Hungary will share its experience and approach to demographics, while also recognising the diversity of views and governance models across Europe. President Levits thanked Minister Szijjárto for Hungary’s contribution to Latvian security and continued participation in NATO air policing mission over the Baltics. Péter Szijjárto confirmed that Hungary fully understands the needs of Latvia and is ready to continue supporting the strengthening of national security of the Baltic countries. He also shared Hungary’s experience of practical cooperation with Russia. President and Hungarian Foreign Minister discussed cooperation within NATO and the role of non-governmental sector in formulating national policies and promoting religious freedom in the world. Egils Levits and Péter Szijjárto also talked about the Visegrad Group, which recently – on 15 February – celebrated its 30th anniversary. Visegrad group is comprised of Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia. Minister Szijjárto underlined that Hungary does view Visegrad Group as an important cooperation platform on some issues. President of Latvia and Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister then moved on to Three Seas Initiative. Both officials agreed that this platform should be used for implementing missing interconnections and links between transport, energy and digital infrastructure of Northern and Southern regions of Europe. Three Seas Initiative will also strengthen region’s Trans-Atlantic ties with US. https://www.president.lv/en/article/president-latvia-hungarian-chairmanship-council-europe-comes-time-when-european- values-need-be-defended-0.