Ambassador Cornstein’s Remarks at the Commemoration of the Placement of the Statue of George H.W. Bush

Szabadság tér, Budapest Tuesday, October 27, 2020 Thank you, Mister Prime Minister. Thank you, Ministers, dignitaries, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen for being here today. It’s an honor to be here with you all today on this historic occasion. Mister Prime Minister, it may feel familiar for you to be on this square to inaugurate a …

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U.S. Ambassador Cornstein Hails Hungary’s Billion Dollar Air Defense Purchase

August 12, 2020 U.S. Ambassador David Cornstein today joined Minister of Defense Tibor Benkő in announcing Hungary’s declaration of intent to conclude its largest-ever defense procurement from the United States, an action which will overhaul and modernize Hungary’s air defense capabilities and allow it to transition away from its current legacy Soviet system.  This purchase …

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How Much Do You Trust a Communist Dictatorship? – by Ambassador Cornstein

July 31, 2020 One of the most important things in life is knowing who your friends are and whom you trust.  As a successful businessman I often look to numbers, and polling around the world shows that people don’t trust what the Chinese Communist Party has to say. But as a life-long New Yorker I …

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“That’s how friends like the U.S. help the world.” – Op-ed by Ambassador Cornstein in HVG

May 22, 2020 We live in unprecedented times.  In a few short months, much of what we had thought of as normal has changed dramatically.  One thing that should not change in times of crisis, however, is your friends.  As a NATO Ally, the United States stands as strongly as ever with Hungary. I am …

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Ambassador Cornstein Visits Israel

Ambassador Cornstein Visits Israel; Welcomes Hungary’s Extension of Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem through Opening of Diplomatic Trade Mission March 18, 2019   Ambassador David Cornstein is traveling today to Israel on the occasion of the opening of Hungary’s new trade mission in Jerusalem. He will join Foreign Minister Szijjártó in the official opening ceremony …

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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 …

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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. 

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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.  …

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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 …

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“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 …

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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. …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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“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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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. …

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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 …

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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 …

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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, …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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!  …

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