Ambassador Cornstein Visits Székesfehérvár
Ambassador David B. Cornstein had a wonderful and informative visit to the city on December 18, 2018. Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador David B. Cornstein to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Hungarian Parliament
Like any long-term relationship, we’ve had our ups and downs, but also like in any other healthy relationship, we’ve overcome those differences and emerged stronger and closer through honest and respectful dialogue. Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein visits Coca-Cola Hungary
Ambassador David B. Cornstein visited Coca-Cola Hungary where he was greeted by its local management. Read More»
Secretary of Energy Rick Perry Visits Budapest
During his visit, Secretary Perry met with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and discussed multiple topics. Read More»
U.S. Embassy Statement on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shooting
"It is with great sadness that I offer my condolences and respect for the victims of the shooting perpetrated at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. " Read More»
U.S. Embassy Statement on Central European University
“CEU remains a priority for the U.S. Government and has overwhelming bipartisan support in the United States." Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein Visits Pápa Air Base
Ambassador Cornstein made his first visit to Pápa Air Base on October 11, 2018. Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein Visits Szeged
Ambassador Cornstein met with Mayor Botka, and visited the American Corner and the New Synagogue. Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein’s Talk at CEU
Ambassador Cornstein spoke about the “American Dream” before an enthusiastic student crowd at the Central European University (CEU). Read More»
Corporate Compliance Conference
Drawing from his deep experience as a private business man, Ambassador Cornstein highlighted key differences between American and European norms of business. Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein Meets Prime Minister Orban
Ambassador Cornstein met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the evening of September 10. Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein’s 9/11 Video Message
In this video, Ambassador Cornstein, a native New Yorker, shares some personal reflections on the tragedy, honors the victims and the brave first responders, and invites all to participate in our 911 Blood Drive. Read More»
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
As customary diplomatic protocol in Hungary, new Embassy Chiefs of Mission place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Budapest’s Heroes’ Square. On September 5, Ambassador David B. Cornstein was honored to place a memorial wreath on the Tomb in the name of the people of the United States of America. Several Embassy ... Read More»
Ambassadorial Business Forum
Ambassador Cornstein was happy to participate in the American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary’s annual Ambassadorial Business Forum. Read More»
Unit Training Observation Day in Hajmáskér
These exercises help our Soldiers build their readiness while illustrating the commitment of the United States to our NATO ally and partner Hungary, and are also vital opportunities to demonstrate our shared commitments to peace, security, and stability in Europe. Read More»
Business Leaders Reception
The U.S.-Hungary economic relationship remains a core pillar of our bilateral relationship, and Ambassador Cornstein and our Embassy staff look forward to continuing to strengthen this connection. Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein visits ILEA
ILEA training focuses on several areas, including anti-corruption, cyber-enabled crime, countering violent extremism, and all forms of transnational organized crime, such as the trafficking of narcotics, humans, and wildlife. Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein visits Debrecen
On his first official trip outside Budapest, Ambassador David B. Cornstein visited the fascinating and beautiful blue and gold city of Debrecen. Read More»
Remarks by Ambassador David B. Cornstein at the Official Independence Day Celebration
This is a very, very important day for every American. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, if you’re white, brown, black. It doesn’t matter if you are a first-year immigrant into our country or if you’re a fourth generation. This is a day that we celebrate our freedom and it’s very, very important. Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein Visits CEU
Today, Central European University (CEU) President and Rector Michael Ignatieff welcomed Ambassador David B. Cornstein to the university. “I was pleased with the opportunity to visit CEU today and meet some of the very talented faculty and students. It’s an impressive academic institution and an asset to both Hungary and the United States. I support its continued operation ... Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein Arrived in Hungary
Ambassador David Cornstein and Mrs. Sheila Cornstein were greeted by Deputy Chief of Mission David Kostelancik and senior Embassy diplomats at the Liszt Ferenc Airport. Read More»
Ambassador Cornstein will arrive in Budapest on June 22
June 12, 2018 The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that President Trump’s Ambassador to Hungary, David B. Cornstein, will arrive in Budapest on June 22, 2018. Ambassador Cornstein is excited to begin his work in Hungary and further strengthen the U.S. – Hungary relationship. Stay tuned for more information about Ambassador Cornstein in the ... Read More»
From Presidential Nomination to the Embassy
From presidential nomination to the Embassy: On May 9, Mr. David B. Cornstein, President Trump’s nominee as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, had his hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. You can read his Statement here: http://ow.ly/eEKm30jVpGG (PDF file). What comes next? Our Prezi explains the steps presidential nominees have to take until they become ... Read More»
Remarks at the Opening Concert of the 4th Hungarian Conference on Disability Studies
The theme for this year’s Day of Persons with Disabilities focuses on building a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities while addressing 17 Sustainable Development Goals that aim to eliminate poverty, fight inequality of any kind, and tackle climate change. Read More»
Remarks at the 7th Annual Nancy Brinker Prize Award Ceremony
I am delighted to present the 7th annual Nancy Brinker Prize to Dr. Róbert Maráz on behalf of Ambassador Bell. Read More»
Remarks at a Jazz Concert in Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the 1956 Revolution
During tonight’s concert, we celebrate those “barometers of freedom” – the Hungarian jazz musicians who played their music in 1956 in defiance of the Communist government. And we remember all of the Hungarians who suffered and those who died in the fight for democracy 60 years ago. Read More»
Remarks at the Election Night Event
Tonight, we are here to celebrate Americans going to the polls, exercising the simple, but extraordinary, right to vote. As many of you know, the U.S. Constitution provides for presidential elections every four years and establishes the basis for our representative democracy. Read More»
Remarks at the Hungarian-Missouri Educational Partnership 10th Anniversary Reception
As some of you may know, this Partnership, first founded in 2005-2006, is the first of its kind and is designed to build and strengthen the relationships between the United States, Hungary, and Central Europe. Read More»
Remarks on the occasion of an Unveiling of Statues of Hannah Arendt and Zbigniew Herbert
It is a great pleasure to join you today for the unveiling of statues of two great thinkers and authors, Hannah Arendt and Zbigniew Herbert. In their works, both reflect on their survival through turmoil and war. And their accomplishments and writings continue to inspire discussion and debate today. Read More»
Remarks at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the 1956 Hungarian Freedom Fighters Exhibit at the Pentagon
That is why we are here today- to honor those very brave men and women who sixty years ago, attempted to throw off the yoke of communism. Today, in a free Hungary, in the United States, and in many other places around the world, we honor their memory and sacrifices. Read More»
Remarks at the Opening of an Exhibit of Associated Press Photographs in Commemoration of the 1956 Revolution in Hungary
The photographs on display in this exhibition offer a glimpse into the sacrifices made by Hungarians forced to leave behind everything they knew, to become refugees, to start life anew in a foreign land in the years immediately following the Revolution. Read More»
Remarks at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Alcoa Plant
But it’s not only about making products, making money, and employment. Alcoa is also a leader in corporate responsibility, which is near and dear to my heart, and is something in which American companies excel. Read More»
Remarks on the occasion of the 3rd Annual Budapest 48 Hour Film Project Screening and Awards Ceremony
This is the third year in a row for the festival in Budapest, and it’s great to see how it brings together experienced and amateur filmmakers to tell stories inspired by their own experiences and their hometowns. I Read More»
Remarks at the March of the Living Wagon Exhibition
As I look at this exhibition, it strikes me just how powerful it is that it is on a train car. You can actually feel the history – the terror and despair – in the physical object itself, in the wooden planks in the floor, the sliding doors, and the wheels on the track. The ... Read More»
Remarks at the 9/11 Commemoration
It is those heroes we remember and honor today. First responders truly represent the best of humanity, and it is their example that must continue to inspire us all. Read More»
Remarks at the Central Museum of Disaster Management
I recognize and commend the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who serve as first responders in Hungary -- firefighters and paramedics alike. Read More»
Opening remarks at “Give Life a Chance through Cancer Immunotherapy” Cancer Prevention and Awareness-Raising Program
In today’s world, cancer has a major impact on so many people and families in the United States and across the world. Too many of us personally know someone affected by cancer – whether we witness the fight of a loved one directly or we see the worry of their family and friends. Read More»
Remarks for Transparency International Sziget Festival Press Conference
Fighting corruption is notoriously difficult, it requires a long term commitment, and success is often hard to measure. Events like these raise awareness to the importance of combatting corruption, and the studies that you conduct teach us how we can better direct our efforts. Read More»
Remarks at the Raoul Wallenberg Birthday Commemoration
The treatment and integration of the Roma population here and throughout Europe is another example of a serious challenge we face today. Two days ago I spoke at the Roma History and Culture Center to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the Roma Holocaust – the Parrajmos. Read More»
Remarks at the Memorial Event of the Roma Holocaust
Today we pause, to mourn and remember the thousands of Romani men, women and children who were savagely and senselessly murdered and enslaved by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. Read More»
Remarks at Papa Air Base
Hungarian Gripens, Czech Gripens, Slovenian PC-9s, Slovakian MiG 29s, and a United States KC-135 and C-130, as well as tactical ground controllers from all five nations, are conducting the largest and most complicated air integration mission in the region since the end of the Balkan operations. Read More»
Remarks at the EU Chambers of Commerce Event
– as prepared – Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. President Tkatchenko, thank you for the invitation to address the EU Chambers of Commerce this evening in such a lovely venue. As you can imagine, the U.S. Embassy works very closely with the American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary, so we know the valuable work chambers ... Read More»
Remarks at the Independence Day Celebration
– as prepared – Good afternoon and welcome, everyone. It is a tremendous honor for me to host you in this celebration of America’s 240th anniversary of our independence. Welcome, Minister Pinter, President Darak, and Prosecutor Polt, Justice Stumpf. Thank you State Secretary Vargha for coming and I look forward to your remarks. Welcome, distinguished ... Read More»
Remarks at the Graduation Ceremony of the ILEA Budapest Law Enforcement Leadership Development Session 103
Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel Gősi, for your kind introduction. Minister Pintér, Ambassadors, Colonel Farkas, Director Terpinas, honored guests, and most of all, ILEA Session 103 Graduates, I am so pleased to be here to celebrate your accomplishments. From the perspective of the United States Government, and specifically from the U.S. State Department, I can’t emphasize enough ... Read More»
There are no second-class citizens in NATO – Remarks at the “30 Days Ahead of Warsaw” Conference
Thank you very much, Director-General Schoberl, Ambassador Kowalski, Ambassador Lindsay, Ambassador Kacer, fellow diplomats, distinguished guests and friends assembled here. It is a pleasure to speak to you at this conference. Thank you to the Polish Embassy and to IFAT for putting on this important event. I am especially pleased that I can speak to ... Read More»
Remarks at the Women Startup Competition
Good evening and welcome to the Women Start-Up Competition. I would like to thank the organizers of this event, GF Social Media, for inviting me to participate. I am delighted to sit with such a distinguished group of jurors from the technology and investment communities. I am sure we will learn here tonight about innovative ... Read More»
The U.S. Perspective on Migration, Security, and Foreign Policy
President Shattuck, Professor Balazs, fellow diplomats, distinguished guests, thank you. I’m happy to be here as part of your important lecture series. It’s always a pleasure to be in the lively community of CEU. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. I know very well the role that CEU plays in providing a ... Read More»
Remarks at the 11th Biennial Conference of the Hungarian Association for American Studies (HAAS)
Professor Bodis, Mr. Giran, Ms. Bartos, Ambassador Helfand, Professor Fischer, Dr. Taróssy, Dr. Brückner, Ladies and Gentlemen, Jó napot! Good morning! I am delighted to be here with you today to celebrate this special occasion — the 11th Biennial Conference of the Hungarian Association for American Studies in association with the Hungarian Association for Ibero-American ... Read More»
Remarks to the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hungarian Parliament
Chairman Nemeth, Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, distinguished guests, thank you for asking me to speak to you. It is an honor. Our custom of talking together today is as old as our friendship as nations. I look forward to a frank and friendly discussion with you and the distinguished members of this Committee. ... Read More»
Remarks at the Meeting with Secondary School Students and Teachers at the Lavender Visitor Center in Tihany
Good Morning! I am very pleased to have the opportunity to visit Balaton-felvidéki National Park to help celebrate Earth Day this week. I would like to thank Director Puskás, and his colleagues at the National Park Directorate for welcoming us and organizing a great visit for me and the U.S. delegation. We are excited to ... Read More»
Remarks at the Public Education Roundtable in honor of International Roma Day
State Secretary Laszlo Palkovics, esteemed members of the panel, ladies and gentleman, Good afternoon! It is my great pleasure to join you here to observe International Roma Day. Since 1990, this day has been set aside as an opportunity to celebrate Romani culture and raise awareness of the issues and daily challenges facing the largest ... Read More»
Hungarian Islamic Community 100th Anniversary of State Recognition – Remarks at the Commemoration
Thank you to Mr. Bolek and the Hungarian Islamic Community for hosting today’s celebration. Mr. Bolek, distinguished guests, Assalamu alaykum [“Peace be with you” in Arabic; standard Muslim greeting worldwide]. We celebrate today a century of Islam’s legal recognized existence in Hungary, though the actual existence of Islam in the territory of Hungary dates back ... Read More»
Multiculturalism and the Culture of Tolerance in the United States – Remarks on the Occasion of America Day at Táncsics Mihály High School
Mayor Péter Fenyves, Member of Parliament Gábor Törő, Ambassador András Dékány of the Ministry of Human Capacities, Principal Krisztina Birkás, Teachers and Staff, Students, Jó napot kívánok! Good morning! Thank you very much for the invitation to join you today and for the very warm welcome to Mór! Since 2008, the Ministry of Human Capacities ... Read More»
Remarks at the Association of Hungarian Journalists (MUOSZ)
Ambassador Shakir Fakili, President Gabor Komlosi, Honorary President Eva Keleti, Vice President Maria Gonczi, Vice President Janos Harshegyi, Mr. Andras Trom, dear awardees, members of MUOSZ, ladies and gentlemen: It is a great honor to be here today, and to join you as you present the Golden Pen awards to some of the many courageous ... Read More»
Remarks at the Karinthy Model United Nations 2016 Conference
Thank you, Madame Chairwoman, Model UN delegates, and distinguished guests. It is an honor to be here and I am delighted to speak with you today. I’d like to welcome the delegates from the United States, and also from Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Serbia, and Germany. Congratulations to Karinthy High School for hosting such an excellent ... Read More»
Remarks on the Occasion of the Signing Ceremony of an Agreement between Marymount University (VA) and the National University of Public Service
Minister Pintér, Rector Pátyi, President Shank, Ambassador Szemerkényi, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning! Jó reggelt kívánok! Thank you very much for the invitation to join you today and participate in this morning’s ceremony! I am honored to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Marymount University and the National University of Public Service. ... Read More»
Remarks at the Screening of the Film Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom
Hello everyone. I’m Colleen Bell, United States Ambassador to Hungary. I would like to welcome you and thank you for coming. I am so pleased you could join us tonight to watch this important and powerful film — Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom. This film screening is a highlight of the work of ... Read More»
Opening Remarks at a Screening of Hot Men, Cold Dictatorships
Jó estét kívánok! Good evening everyone! I am pleased to join you tonight and to introduce the film you are about to see — Hot Men, Cold Dictatorships — which we are screening in honor of LGBT History Month. I congratulate the Háttér Society and their partners for organizing such a varied and interesting series ... Read More»
“The only pressure that came to bear was the pressure of moral persuasion” – Interview with Ambassador Colleen Bell in Hungarian weekly HVG
If we speak the language of your original profession, that is, being a producer, how would you summarize the first season of your time as Ambassador for those who will also be following the second season? Every good television series has exciting and quiet parts, tense and peaceful moments. I’ve had all those in my first ... Read More»
Remarks at Interfaith Breakfast
I would like to welcome each of you equally as guests, faith leaders, and friends, to my home. As you may know, there is a tradition in the United States of the President meeting with religious leaders on the first Thursday of every February. This has happened every year since 1953. It is such an ... Read More»
Remarks at the Naming of Tom Lantos sétány
Distinguished guests, Mayor Borbely , Deputy State Secretaries Langerne and Latorcai, esteemed diplomatic colleagues, and friends, welcome, and thank you for joining me this afternoon to pay tribute to the victims and the legacy of the Parrajmos. And to Istvan Makai and the Roma Civic Association, thank you for inviting me to participate in this ... Read More»
Remarks at the 4th Annual RETURN – U.S. Alumni in Hungary Conference
Good afternoon, everybody! Thank you, Dr. Aáry-Tamás and Professor Szuromi for your excellent welcome remarks and words of inspiration to start this year’s RETURN conference. I would also like to thank Ms. Smith Lacey – Anna — for moderating today’s event. It is my great pleasure to be here again, and I thank the U.S. ... Read More»
Remarks at the 2nd AmCham Business Forum Lunch
– as delivered – Madam Ambassador, President Pongrácz, Ms. Lippai-Nagy, Mr. Benkő, ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon and thank you for welcoming me to this second iteration of the “Dual Ambassadors’ Chat!” It is a great pleasure for me to be able to share the stage once again with my good friend Reka Szemerkényi under ... Read More»
Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement
On behalf of the U.S. Embassy and ILEA Budapest, I welcome you to this very important course on Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement. It is a thrill for me to meet so many strong, dedicated women law enforcement officers. Director Terpinas told me that this course is always one of the highlights of the ... Read More»
Remarks at Transparency International Anti-Corruption Day Event
Thank you, Jozsef and Transparency International, for inviting me to speak at this important event. I commend you and your colleagues on your tireless work to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance. Your efforts make a difference in Hungary and around the world. It was on this day in 2003, in Merida, Mexico, that the ... Read More»
Remarks at Papa Air Base
Thank you, Mr. Siklosi, General Orosz, General Vollmecke, General Safar, and Colonel Gangler, and men and women of Papa Air Base and the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. I’m honored to be here at Papa today to celebrate the growing cooperation between NATO Allies. Even before 1999, when Hungary and the U.S. became Allies, our two ... Read More»
Act Today for a More Secure Tomorrow! Op-ed by Ambassador Colleen Bell published in Hungarian daily Magyar Idők
From rising seas across the globe and the melting of Greenland’s sheet ice to the bleaching of coral reefs around many coasts, the signs of climate change are all around us. As a global society, we are at a critical juncture where our decisions today will help shape the climate our children and children’s children ... Read More»
“We Will Build a Stronger Bridge” – Remarks at Corvinus University
Thank you very much Vice Rector Görög for the kind introduction and to Corvinus University, the organizer and host of this event. And to my diplomatic corps colleagues; representatives of the Government of Hungary; Corvinus administrators, academics, and students; business leaders; friends from the American Corner; ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming. I ... Read More»
Remarks at the Fall Roundup and Crane Feast in Hortobágy
– as delivered – Jó napot kívánok! Good Morning! I am delighted to be here and I would like to give thanks, a very special thank you to Minister Fazekas for the invitation to join you all here today. I would also like to congratulate the organizers of this wonderful event, which helps maintain cultural ... Read More»
Remarks at Brave Warrior “Distinguished Visitor” Day
This exercise is a great example of multilateral cooperation that ensures our nations’ militaries are better able to operate together as NATO Allies. Interoperability is vital to our success. Our militaries have been learning, training, and fighting together as NATO allies for more than 15 years. The NATO alliance is an enduring commitment – not ... Read More»
Remarks to Introduce U.S. Department of State Speaker Scott Jenkins at the Hungarian Association of Women Judges
Jó napot kivánok/Good afternoon. To start, I want to thank the Hungarian Association of Women Judges for hosting this event today and providing a forum for today’s presentation by the visiting speaker for the U.S. Department of State, Lieutenant Scott Jenkins, a retired U.S. police officer and expert in the prevention and prosecution of domestic ... Read More»
Remarks on “Transatlantic Thought” – Hungarian Atlantic Council
(as prepared) Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Rector Patyi, Professor Vizi, Minister Simicsko, dear colleagues, students and friends. It is my great pleasure to be here with you today, and to address this conference on the significance of “transatlantic thought”. It is also a great pleasure to share this panel with Minister Simicsko, and, through ... Read More»
Remarks at Cziffra Cultural Center
Good afternoon, It was a great pleasure to experience this wonderful program by the Rolling Chairs dance troupe. Many thanks to Ms. Rita Sárai and the entire company for such a beautiful performance! I am so glad that so many honored guests could join us today for this presentation, including Mr. Pál Szekeres, Mayor Ferenc ... Read More»
Remarks at the Antall Jozsef Knowledge Center Diplomata Club
Thank you. Good evening, everyone. I would like to thank the organizers at the Antall Jozsef Knowledge Center for the invitation to speak with you tonight. It is my great pleasure to be here, addressing many of Hungary’s brightest young leaders. While this is my first opportunity to speak with many of you, it is ... Read More»
Interview with Hungarian news portal Origo
When you accepted President Obama’s nomination as United States ambassador to Hungary, were you expecting to land in such a turbulent scene? When I received the call from the White House that I had been nominated to serve as U.S. ambassador, I was extremely excited by the opportunity. I had travelled to Hungary before, and ... Read More»
Remarks at American Chamber of Commerce “Practical Compliance” Conference
Thank you Dr. Nemescsói, for your kind introduction, and thank you Ferenc for the invitation to speak at this event. I am also delighted to share the stage with Minister of Justice Trócsányi. Minister Trócsányi, panelists, and American Chamber of Commerce members, good morning. AmCham’s efforts have been an essential component to the growth of ... Read More»
Remarks for the Inaugural Forestry Crime and Illegal Logging Course
Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the United States Government, I am very pleased to welcome you to the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest. The mission of ILEA is to support the region’s emerging democracies through international cooperation to combat crime and to promote social, political and economic stability. To achieve these goals, ILEA ... Read More»
Remarks at Vicenza Military Community Women’s Equality Day
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your invitation and your warm welcome. It is a great honor to be here with you today, and to be celebrating Women’s Equality Day with you. Since it was first celebrated in 1972, Women’s Equality Day celebrates the date, ninety five years ago today, when the 19th Amendment to ... Read More»
Remarks at the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Press Conference Sponsored by the Ministry of Interior
Jó napot kívánok! Thank you very much, Deputy State Secretary Krisztina Berta, for your kind invitation to join this event. I would also like to thank the media representatives for attending today. Your reporting greatly helps us raise public awareness. And raising awareness – as Ms. Berta already made clear – is critical in preventing ... Read More»
Remarks at the Graduation Ceremony of the ILEA Budapest
Law Enforcement Leadership Development Session 100 Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel Gősi, for your kind introduction. Minister Pintér, Ambassador Brownfield, Ambassador Esmerov, Ambassador Benisheva, Colonel Farkas, Mr. Barnett, Director Terpinas, honored guests, and most of all, ILEA Session 100 Graduates, I am so pleased to be here to celebrate your accomplishments. From the perspective of the ... Read More»
Remarks at the ILEA 20 Year Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Good evening. Minister Pintér, Ambassadors, distinguished guests, ILEA Directors and staff and ILEA Session 100 graduates; I am so pleased to be here with you tonight to celebrate both the ILEA 20 year anniversary and the graduation of ILEA Session 100. It was an honor to be with Session 100 this afternoon as they became ... Read More»
Statement by Ambassador Colleen Bell in Szeged
The beautiful city of Szeged has welcomed me today, and shown me its extraordinary culture, its vibrant business community, its historic synagogue, and its marvelous university. I have also met some of Szeged’s people, who are extremely hospitable — I thank you all for your generosity in welcoming me to your city, and inviting me ... Read More»
Remarks at the U.S. Embassy – Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade Panel Discussion on Ukraine
Good morning everyone and thank you for coming. I am pleased to be here with such distinguished guests for what promises to be a vibrant discussion on Ukraine and the ramifications of the crisis – for Ukrainians, and for all of us. Before we get started, I wanted to thank everyone who made this event ... Read More»
Remarks at Central European Institute (CEI) Event
Hello everyone. I’m pleased to be here with this impressive group of business leaders, academics, government officials, and community organizers – each of you dedicated to enhancing and expanding relations between Hungary and the United States. First of all, Chris: thank you for the invitation to be here today. Your work and the work of ... Read More»
Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the Exhibition “Capa in Color”
– as delivered – Good morning. I am delighted to be here at this new and modern Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center . I would like to very much thank Orsolya Kőrösi for her kind invitation this morning. I would also like to acknowledge distinguished guests – Dr. Péter Hoppál, Ms. Cynthia Young and Mr. Robert Pledge. I would also ... Read More»
Remarks at the Book Launch for “The Future of Holocaust Memorialization”
I’d like to begin by thanking Rector Shattuck and Anna-Mária Biró for organizing this event and the conference last year, and to thank Dr. Pető and Prof. Thorson for editing and bringing this book into being, and to all of you for keeping this important issue of Holocaust Memorialization alive and open for discussion. Keeping ... Read More»
Remarks at the Semester Closing Event of the Aquincum Institute of Technology
Hello everybody, good afternoon. I am so delighted to be here at the end-of-semester ceremony – I certainly feel and share all of your excitement today, you should feel so proud of what you have accomplished. First of all, I extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Bojár for his invitation to visit Graphisoft Park and ... Read More»
Remarks at Thunderbird European Reunion
Dennis, Chris, Thunderbird Alumni, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning. It is a great pleasure to kick off this European Reunion of Thunderbird Alumni . When your fellow alumnus Edward invited me to address your group, I was very pleased. During my business career, I developed relationships with partners from many countries. And along the way, I met ... Read More»
Remarks at the Fulbright Farewell Reception
Good evening. I’m so happy to participate in another Fulbright event – this time to bid farewell to the American Fulbright grantees who are completing their year in Hungary and to celebrate their marvelous academic achievements. This event is also an occasion to extend best wishes to the departing Hungarian grantees whose Fulbright experience is about ... Read More»
Remarks at the opening of the General Assembly of the European Federation for Intercultural Learning
Good morning, everyone. I’m so delighted to be here, and thank you, Mr. Csaba (Chairman of the Board of AFS Hungary), for your kind invitation. Let me first congratulate all of you on the centennial anniversary of your organization, American Field Service , and on the 25th anniversary of your chapter in Hungary. You have a history to ... Read More»
Remarks at the Visit to Hungarian Special Forces in Szolnok
The development of the Hungarian Special Forces has been remarkable. Hungary started with no Special Forces in 2005, and by 2013 was able to provide command and control for special operations from 5 different nations – including the U.S. – who were conducting important operations across 4 regions within Afghanistan. Hungarian Special Forces have served ... Read More»
Remarks before the Concert in Support of Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities
Good evening, everyone. I am very pleased to be here with you tonight for a very special concert and I would like to thank the organizers – Harmony Foundation and the Fulbright Commission and, personally, Rita Hoffmann and Maria Flamich for inviting us to be a part of it. What you are about to hear touches on ... Read More»
Remarks at the English for Journalists Course at American Corner Budapest
I want to begin by thanking Erika Sólyom, our capable coordinator here at the American Corner Budapest , as well as Corvinus University, for agreeing to host today’s meeting. Thanks also to Timea Tiboldi, for spending much of the past nine months helping to develop this course, and for now facilitating your class over the next 10 weeks. ... Read More»
Remarks for the Girls’ Day 2015 Event at GE Facility in Veresegyház
Good morning. I am excited to be with you this morning. I would like to thank Gergő Lencsés, the General Manager, and his team at this GE facility for hosting us today. I am proud of the fact that GE is one of eight U.S. companies in Hungary hosting 400 young women today during the ... Read More»
Remarks Ambassador Colleen Bell at the Tree Planting in Honor of Earth Day
Mr. Mayor, Dr. Matei, ladies and gentlemen: It is a pleasure to be here today to plant this Magnolia tree with the Mayor of the Fifth District and the Provost and Pro-Rector of Central European University to mark the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. The Embassy has been a part of the Fifth District community ... Read More»
Remarks on the Occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of Survivors of Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp (Friday, April 13, 1945)
Good afternoon, everyone. It is a great honor for me to participate in this moving reunion with you and your families – and to celebrate with the American liberators who set you free! I am so proud of our American soldiers! True heroes! I have read a great deal about the events of Friday, the ... Read More»
Remarks at the Memorial Day of the Victims of Hungarian Holocaust
Thank you, Chairman Haraszti, for the invitation to attend this event and share with you the strong support of the United States and my own deep personal commitment to the important work of Holocaust remembrance. It is our profound duty to preserve the sacred memories of the victims of this most profoundly tragic episode in ... Read More»
Remarks at Citibank Women Leaders Event
Thank you very much, Aftab. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. When I heard about this event, I jumped at the chance to talk to a group very important to me both personally and professionally – namely all the women leaders here today. It’s an honor to be ... Read More»
Remarks Before the Concert by Nicole Taylor and Daniel Ernst at the House of Hungarian Heritage
Good evening! I am so pleased to be here tonight and to welcome our distinguished guests – Nicole Taylor and Daniel Ernst. Ms. Taylor has established herself in the United States and internationally as an artist of extraordinary talent, with an extensive repertoire covering a vast variety of styles and genres. Her accompanist, Mr. Ernst, ... Read More»
Remarks at the Pro Bono for Social Good Conference
Good morning. First of all, I would like to thank Mr. András F. Tóth for the opportunity to say a few words at the opening of this conference. I am particularly pleased to be here because volunteering and civic engagement have always been and still are a cornerstone of our nation. Americans strongly believe that ... Read More»
Introductory Remarks at the Lunch hosted for Mykhailo Yunger, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine
Hello everyone, and welcome. I’m pleased you could join me for lunch. Chargé Yunger, my personal welcome to you, and my thanks for coming today. It is my first opportunity to meet you, and it is a privilege to host you and your colleague. And a warm welcome and thank you to all of my ... Read More»
Remarks to the American Chamber of Commerce Business Forum
Madam Ambassador, Minister Martonyi, Mr. Pongrácz, Ms. Lippai-Nagy, Mr. Benkő, ladies and gentlemen. Good Afternoon. It is a great pleasure for me to attend this, my first AmCham Hungary event, made even more pleasant by the participation of my friend, Ambassador Szemerkényi. I understand it is quite rare to have both the U.S. Ambassador to Hungary and ... Read More»
Remarks at Totalization Signing Ceremony
Good afternoon. Thank you, Minister Balog, for your kind welcome and hospitality today. It is my pleasure to be here – in such a beautiful setting – to sign this bilateral agreement to harmonize our social security systems. In addition, I would like to thank the members of the Hungarian government who worked so hard ... Read More»
Introduction Remarks for Embassy Science Fellow Dr. Andrew Gillespie (from EPA) at Central European University (CEU)
Thank you, President Shattuck for your warm welcome and for your kind introduction. It is a pleasure to be here today at CEU, an institution at the heart of important research, teaching, and learning in Central Europe. The Embassy is proud to partner with CEU not just to organize this lecture, but also to support ... Read More»
Remarks at the Naming of Tom Lantos sétány
Fellow ambassadors, Mayor Tóth, members of the Lantos family, ladies and gentlemen – good morning. It is a privilege to be here with you as we commemorate the birthday of Hungarian-American Congressman Tom Lantos. In his honor, we are gathered to name this street for him – a small change on the map, perhaps, but ... Read More»
Remarks at Third RETURN – U.S. Alumni in Hungary Conference
Thank you very much, Dr. Szuromi and good afternoon, everyone. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation to address this impressive forum. As a new Ambassador, I am anxious to learn more about Hungary, to better understand its culture and its challenges, and to see them through the eyes ... Read More»
Remarks at the Opening of the Alcoa Production Line
Minister Szijjártó, Dr. Forgó, Mr. Randall, Mayor Cser-Palkovics, distinguished guests. It is a real pleasure for me to be here to inaugurate the expansion of the Hungarian facility of one of America’s most storied companies: Alcoa. It’s astounding to think that this company has been producing high-quality aluminum and light metal products for 125 years! ... Read More»
Remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony
Thank you, Under Secretary Kennedy, for presiding today, for your support and for your kind words. I appreciate your taking the time to be here with my family, friends and colleagues. It’s obvious why you command such respect in this building and around the world, from both Foreign Service Officers like yourself and political appointees ... Read More»
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