September 30, 2008

Hungary's Foreign Minister Visits Washington, Meets with Secretary Rice

On September 30th, Minister Göncz met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and decorated her with the Commander's Cross with the Star of the Order of Merit , one of Hungary's top civilian awards. Secretary Rice made the following remarks: "I cannot think of an award that I am prouder to receive. I think you know of my long history with Hungary, my long love for Hungary and inspiration by the Hungarian people, who went through so much and really remained absolutely dedicated to recovering their freedom, and did so. (...) I think you know also that I am especially proud to receive it from you as a good friend, but also as a daughter of Hungarian freedom. (...) And you can be sure that I’ve been very honored and delighted to have the chance to build the U.S.-Hungarian relationship over this period of time, but that I’m going to remain a friend of Hungary for life." 

Foreign Minister Göncz and Secretary of State Rice discussed important international issues, including the Russia-Georgia conflict, energy security (and the upcoming Nabucco Summit in Budapest), Afghanistan and Trans-atlantic relations. They also talked about current issues in U.S.-Hungarian relations, including Hungary's contribution to democracy promotion, Hungarian projects to pay tribute to the memory of the late Congressman Lantos, and the anticipated expansion of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

 

Foreign Minister Göncz presenting Secretary of State Rice with the Order of Merit

During her two-day visit, Foreign Minister Göncz met foreign policy advisors to both presidential candidates. From Senator Obama's campaign, she discussed current foreign policy issues with Gregory Craig, Dr. Anthony Lake and Philip Gordon. The Foreign Minister also met with former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and visited the McCain campaign headquarters in Alexandria to meet with the Republican candidate's advisors.

On September 29th, Minister Göncz presented a letter from Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány to the President of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation pledging the Hungarian Government's support for its recently launched project, the virtual Global Museum on Communism.

 

Wreath laying ceremony at  the Victims of Communism Memorial

Ambassador Ferenc Somogyi hosted a dinner party in honor of Foreign Minister Göncz.

 

Ambassador Ferenc Somogyi welcomes guests

 

Foreign Minister Göncz with DHS Assistant Secretary Richard Barth
 

Deputy Assistant Secretary Matt Bryza, Mrs. Annette Lantos and Hungary's Honorary Consul in Atlanta, John Parkerson
 

House Foreign Affairs Committee Staff Director Bob King and Mr. Parkerson
 

Foreign Minister Göncz met with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) to discuss foreign policy issues of mutual concern, in particular European energy security.