Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban received Thomas Bach, the chairman of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in his office on Monday. Discussions focused on current developments in the international sport world, the capacity of sports to establish peace and the assistance the country is providing to Ukrainian athletes, Mr Orban's press chief – Bertalan Havasi – told Hungary's state news agency.

Zsolt Gyulay, chairman of the Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB), former state president Pal Schmitt, Balazs Furjes, state secretary of State of the prime minister’s office and IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper also took part in the meeting.

The sports leaders praised the role of Budapest as an international sports capital, the significant sporting events held here, such as the ongoing World Water Championships and next year’s World Athletics Championships.

Viktor Orban and Thomas Bach emphasized the importance of bringing peace to Ukraine as soon as possible, stressing that the peace-building capacity of sport and the Olympic movement should not be underestimated.

The parties also acknowledged at the meeting that as a result of

the joint efforts of MOB, sports associations, charitable organisations and the Hungarian government, nearly 100 Ukrainian athletes have been given secure refuge in Hungary.

press chief Bertalan Havasi said.