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GREETINGS BY AMBASSADOR FERENC SOMOGYI
Dear Visitor, On behalf of the Republic of Hungary, it is my pleasure to welcome you on the homepage of the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, DC. I begin my service as Ambassador at a time when the alliance of the United States and Hungary, based on shared values and common interests, is stronger than ever. My firm commitment to this relationship has been manifested on more than one occasion during my diplomatic carrier. Being the chief negotiator of my country’s accession to NATO and the European Union, and later the Foreign Minister of the NATO and EU member Hungary, deepened my conviction that strengthening the transatlantic relations is key not only to our nations’ prosperity and security but can also offer the best solutions to global challenges. After September 11, 2001, Hungary responded with no delay to the new threats America and the democratic world had to face. Hungary and the United States have been working closely together to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. Hungary’s most recent contribution to this process is our leadership of a Provincial Reconstruction Team. For over a decade, our two countries have also been working together on achieving stability in the Balkans. Hungary is taking its share in advancing democracy worldwide through the experience my country gained in its own democratic transition. In close cooperation with the U.S., the Hungarian Government established the International Center for Democratic Transition to facilitate this goal. I will do my utmost to enhance Hungary’s active engagement in helping countries still lacking freedom embark on a democratic path. The expansion of the Visa Waiver Program is a priority issue for us, Hungarians. I am committed to continue co-operating with the Administration and Congress to eliminate the remaining barriers from the visa free travel of our citizens, thus to enhance the people-to-people contacts between Americans and Hungarians. As Ambassador, I will also continue to work with the business community to explore new ways in economic and technological cooperation. I intend to develop close and active ties with the Hungarian-American community. I am proud to know that Hungarians have, in the course of history, made essential contributions to the success of the American nation and the friendship between our peoples.
My predecessors’ achievements have
been significant in the past two decades. For their work, as well as for the
efforts and tireless support of the Hungarian-American community, I am
grateful. Sincerely,
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