President Mahinda Rajapaksa held bilateral discussions with Hungarian President Pal Schmitt at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Hungarian President will be the next President of the European Union, which brings added significance to this bilateral meeting.

The two leaders discussed matters of common interest to both countries, particularly the development of economic and cultural relations.

The Hungarian leader expressed willingness to continue raising credit to Sri Lanka at concessionary terms. Already it is providing Euro 35 million through its Exim Bank.

President Rajapaksa requested the Hungarian leader to revise his Government's travel advisory on Sri Lanka as it is now free of terrorism.
The Hungarian President agreed to provide scholarships to Sri Lankan students to study in Hungarian Universities, especially in the field of sports.

The Hungarian leader requested Sri Lanka's support for his country's bid to become a member of the Security Council of the United Nations in 2012-13.

President Rajapaksa congratulated the Hungarian leader on his assumption of office which took place two months ago.