Germany, Hungary very different in view of migration: Merkel

BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that the perspective on the migration between Hungary and Germany is very different.

Merkel made the remarks at a joint press conference after a meeting with the visiting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

As the sharpest critic of Merkel's migration policy in the EU, Orban met with the German chancellor for the first time since May 2014. His visit came amid the Germany's ruling coalition parties are in a dispute over migration policy.

"The Chancellor and I see the world differently, but we strive for cooperation and I'm ready to work with the Chancellor," Orban told reporters.

Regarding a possible rejection of refugees to Hungary, Merkel explained that Germany has felt that Hungary seems to be not responsible for the Dublin rules, referring to the agreement reached in 2013 on the dealing with asylum seekers in EU.

Orban replied that Hungary has built a fence on its southern borders to regain control over its territory, the move protecting not only Hungary but also Germany by not allowing refugees to enter Hungary.

"We feel hurt that we are accused by Germany of lack of solidarity," said Orban, adding that "we protect our border with 8,000 armed soldiers for 24 hours, and that clearly means also a help for Germany, because refugees who are rejected, do not come to Germany."