Hungary’s foreign minister inaugurates embassy building in Washington

Washington, DC, March 22 (MTI) – Foreign minister Péter Szijjártó inaugurated the new building of the Hungarian embassy to the United States in Washington, DC on Wednesday.

Speaking after Ambassador Réka Szemerkényi’s greeting, Szijjártó expressed hope that the opening of the new building would mark the start of new initiatives resulting in a “common success story” with the US. The US itself is now pursuing “more patriotic” policies, and Hungary trusts that President Trump will be successful in making America safer and greater, Szijjártó said. This would result in a safer, greater world, he said.

The fight against the Islamic State terrorist organisation and against terrorism in general remains the greatest threat to the civilised world, Szijjártó said. Despite the global coalition’s recent successes, efforts should be redoubled to ensure the complete obliteration of IS, he said. Hungary is proud to be one of the 27 countries contributing to this effort, fighting alongside America, he said.

At a meeting of the global coalition fighting IS to be held later on Wednesday, Szijjártó will propose boosting Hungary’s presence in Iraq.

Speaking of illegal migration, Szijjártó said it was only natural that a country leadership should put the security of the country and its people first. “Hungary has been doing the same, heavy criticism notwithstanding.”