Mr. President,
It is my great honor and privilege to present my
Letter of Credence, issued by the President of the Republic of Hungary,
appointing me as Ambassador to the United States of America and the Letter
of Recall of my predecessor.
Never before has the relationship between Hungary and
the United States, Hungarians and Americans been so important, but also
more solid, firmly rooted in our common values and aspirations. I take up
my duties as Ambassador to the United States a year after the most
horrifying terrorist attack that has sent a shock wave through our
community of democratic nations. It has dramatically changed the way we
look at our security, and has underlined the critical importance of
working together within an Alliance, in which the United States has an
unquestionable and desirable leadership role. It is the firm intention of
my Government to remain a close and trustworthy ally of the United States.
The Hungarian Government intends to reassert
Hungary’s wish to be part of seeking solutions of fundamental global
problems and to give a new impetus to the cooperation between the United
States and Hungary. With its dramatic transformation, Hungary has much to
offer to the successful completion of our efforts for a Europe whole and
free. We Hungarians hope to bring new visions, fresh energy to the
transatlantic institutions which are going through an historic adaptation
process.
The most
outstanding personal achievement of my life was to have had the honor to
be the first Hungarian Ambassador to represent my country on the NATO
Council, to have had the privilege of guiding Hungary through the process
of accession. This experience has further strengthened my conviction that
there is no alternative to a solid, lasting transatlantic relationship.
Hungary and the United States worked closely together
in Bosnia and fought a war as allies in Kosovo, bringing peace to the
Balkans. But these efforts also forged a tie that is exceptional in the
history of our two nations. The closest possible cooperation to combat
terrorism, as well as facilitating a meaningful contribution of my
country, to the war on terror will be at the forefront of my activities as
Ambassador in Washington, D.C. In the process of reforming the North
Atlantic Alliance, while we invite new members, we will want to ensure
that NATO stays strong and cohesive, and that it remains the most
important pillar of transatlantic relations. In this process Hungary
intends to play an active role. The Hungarian Government is determined to
fulfill its commitments, and I will do my best to promote defense
cooperation towards these ends.
The two sides of the Atlantic cannot afford to drift
apart, and as we build a new European Security and Defense Policy, we will
do our utmost to ensure that the process does not weaken but rather
strengthen relations between Europe and America. As Hungary becomes a
member of the European Union, we have a vested interest that transatlantic
solidarity does not suffer. On the contrary: the result should not be
“less America” but “more Europe”. A broad partnership
between the US and the EU has been a key to democratization and
stabilization efforts in South Eastern Europe, serving as a good example
for other regions in the World with deprivation and democratic deficit. It
is our ambition to stand out as an example of promoting democracy,
tolerance, institution building and economic reform in our region, able
and willing to show the way in good neighborly relations, too. Hungary by
its central location, ample experience in peaceful transformation, its
strong adaptive skills and unique receptivity for scientific-technological
development aspires to be a valuable partner in facing the challenges of
the 21st Century.
In the process of transformation to a multiparty
democracy based on a full fledged market economy, the economic ties
between Hungary and the United States have played a key role. Business
contacts must continue to grow, and I will spare no efforts to promote our
economic relations to the benefit of both of our countries. Hungary, as a
prospective EU member, wants to remain attractive to American investors,
and act as a springboard for businesses reaching out to the neighboring
regions, Europe at large and even beyond.
Hungarians have made great contributions to
American society, in science, arts, business or the media. The likes of
Joseph Pulitzer, John von Neumann, or George Czukor have all been part of
shaping 20th century America. Americans of Hungarian origin will remain a
strong pillar of our bilateral relationship.
I will make efforts to see that business and cultural
ties bring us closer to the different dynamic regions, States of the US,
to make sure that we go beyond the beltway.
Mr. President,
Let me express my desire to work as closely as
possible with Your Administration, both Houses of Congress, the various
institutions, as well as the media and representatives of the American
civil society to further deepen cooperation between our two nations.
I would like to count on your generous support in the years to come as I
embark on this endeavor.
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here to read President
Bush's reply.
