Foreign minister sends congratulatory letters to new US State, Commerce, Energy Secretaries

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has sent letters of congratulations to three incoming secretaries of the new US administration of President Joe Biden.

In his letter to Antony Blinken, the new Secretary of State, Szijjártó said the United States is the most important ally and strategic partner of Hungary outside the European Union, adding that Hungarian-US relations have progressed and reached new heights in recent years.

Szijjártó said he is convinced that “the current exceptional relationship provides both countries with the best framework to face the new challenges arising from the pandemic situation, as well as to further strengthen the transatlantic relationship, which is vital to the security of Europe”.

“This year Hungary and the United States will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. On this grandiose occasion, I especially look forward to fostering the bilateral ties between our two countries,” the foreign minister said.

Szijjártó said the Hungarian government is looking forward to cooperation with the United States based on shared values, mutual interests and mutual respect between the two nations and he personally will work towards promoting political, security, economic and cultural cooperation.

In the context of foreign policy, Szijjártó stated Hungary’s continued support to the United States’ and Israel’s efforts towards bringing about sustainable peace in the Middle East and fighting against antisemitism in Europe and elsewhere in the world. He said that as a long-time supporter of the EU accession of the countries in the Western Balkans, the Hungarian government also welcomes efforts by the United States to promote peace and prosperity in the region.

Highlighting the importance of cooperation as allies in NATO, Szijjártó noted Hungary’s participation in several international military missions. He said Hungary had made significant efforts to boost its defence spending over the past few years and will reach the 2 percent target by 2024 at the latest. He further noted that the country has increased the proportion of defence investment well above the 20 percent threshold, adding that several bilateral agreements promote military partnership between the US and Hungary.