Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sent a letter of best wishes to former French President Jacques Chirac on the celebration of his 85th birthday, government sources report.
"Today, the Hungarian nation toasts you with gratitude, not forgetting the committed support that Hungary received from you during the course of our Euro-Atlantic integration," PM Orbán wrote to Chirac.
“It is my firm belief that your political career spanning four decades and your passionate patriotism has not only inspired the politicians of my generation, but also serves as an example to be followed for future generations," he added.
The prime minister also expressed his hope that “more and more people in Europe return to our commonly professed values, once again placing hard-working Europeans who love their country and remain true to their Christian roots at the centre of focus”.
Jacques Chirac was president of France from 1995 to 2007 and was an ardent supporter of Hungary during its Euro-Atlantic integration.