GREETINGS BY AMBASSADOR BÉLA SZOMBATI

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in Washington, D.C. I hope that by navigating through these pages, you will find useful information about Hungary from every angle of life including business, tourism, study opportunities, culture, art and much more. This site is interactive: feel free to comment on its content or sign up for our cultural mailing list if you are interested in the wide range of programs the Embassy is offering. We are currently working on a new design layout, a state-of-the-art and easily navigable site. I believe you will find this truly enjoyable and more informative compared to our current pages.

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 As the seventh Ambassador of free Hungary to the United States since our democratic transition in 1990, and the fourth since the alliance between Hungary and the U.S. was formalized by Hungary’s membership in NATO in 1999, I am taking up my post in Washington, D.C. with the firm intention of helping Hungarian–American relations reach a level even higher than today’s strong relationship, rooted firmly in mutual trust and common values. I intend to build on the achievements of the past 20 years – including those of my predecessors – as well as find new ways to strengthen the bond of friendship between our nations, and the cooperation between our Governments and citizens. In doing so, I will rely on the support of Hungarian Americans, and other dedicated friends, as well as the sympathy my country enjoys to this day for its pivotal role in the fall of the Berlin Wall twenty years ago.

We in Central Europe have noted with satisfaction the symbolism of Barack Obama’s trip to Berlin during his quest for the Presidency. His participation at the Prague Summit in the spring of 2009 was a reassurance that the new Administration will remain engaged in our part of the world. Our common efforts to bring stability to and strengthen democracy in Afghanistan remain high on our agenda. The Western Balkans and Eastern Europe need our continued attention and assistance to finally overcome decades of turmoil. It is equally important that Hungary and the U.S. continue to work together in supporting the democratic aspirations of peoples elsewhere.

The Government of Hungary has worked very hard in the past months to mitigate the adverse effects of the global economic downturn. We trust that the country has now returned to growth and regained the confidence of investors and other business partners, adhering to a strict but necessary fiscal regime. This is the message I will bring to our American partners.

Even against the background of global as well as Hungarian economic difficulties, we have been proud to showcase Hungarian art and culture through the yearlong series of Extremely Hungary. This great cultural enterprise takes place in New York City and Washington, D.C. throughout 2009, and into the first months of 2010. I trust that you will find your personal favorite among the more than fifty events and performances on offer.

                                                                         Béla Szombati

                                                                          Ambassador

Click here for the biography of Ambassador Béla Szombati