Coderre addressed the ceremony attended by the great grandchild of Hungarian-born composer and pianist Ferenc Liszt. Tarlós told MTI that the purpose of his visit was to prepare the twinning agreement, which was initiated by Coderre.

“Such a connection will mainly involve cultural ties,” he said, adding that city development, environmental and waste management issues were also discussed.

Tarlós said he rejected Coderre’s question of whether Budapest would join a statement signed by several Canadian, US and African cities on accepting migrants, which Coderre acknowledged.

Tarlós said Budapest would not sign such an agreement as that would be against the Hungarian government’s position and “the opinions of a vast majority of Hungarians.”

He noted that in Europe only Brussels, Paris and Lyon signed the agreement.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Illyés Tibor