France and Hungary set conciliatory tone as Macron visits Budapest

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes a guest at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, December 1, 2021. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

BUDAPEST/PARIS (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday France was willing to "work together for Europe" with Hungary despite the countries' political differences, striking a conciliatory note as Paris prepares to take over the European Union's presidency.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also held out an olive branch before talks in Budapest. He said Hungary respected the French leader and backed moves by Macron to make the EU more self-sufficient in defence, nuclear energy and farming.