Embassy of the United States of America
Budapest, Hungary
December 2, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman traveled to Miskolc and Hernádszentandrás on December 2.
Hosted at the University of Miskolc by Minister of Justice Judit Varga, an alumna of the university and chair of its board of trustees, Ambassador Pressman met with Minister Varga, Mayor Pál Veres, Rector Dr. Zita Horváth, Deputy Rector Peter Szucs, and faculty and students. The Ambassador and Minister Varga discussed the importance of and opportunities for increasing international engagement throughout Hungary’s educational system, including at the University of Miskolc.
During his visit to the region, Ambassador Pressman spent time with the Roma community in Miskolc and surrounding villages. While meeting with Roma and other students at Dr. Ambedkar High School in Miskolc, Ambassador Pressman spoke about the namesake of one of the school’s buildings – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a hero of the civil rights movement and an inspiration to successive generations in the struggle for human dignity around the world. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of ensuring equal opportunities and access to resources for Hungary’s Roma communities.
In neighboring Hernádszentandrás, a village of approximately 500 people, the Ambassador met with Mayor Gabor Üveges to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural Hungarians. Ambassador Pressman and Mayor Üveges visited a local business project designed to economically support the small community in challenging times.
Ambassador Pressman also visited InDaHouse Hungary, an innovative program that provides support and resources to Roma and economically marginalized children through its early intervention and weekend programs. The Ambassador met with children and families benefitting from the organization’s important work to support residents of Hernádszentandrás and the surrounding communities. The Ambassador praised the important work of Hungarian volunteers and non-governmental organizations committed to addressing the needs of this vulnerable community.
Committed to engaging with as many communities in Hungary as possible, early in his tenure Ambassador Pressman has already traveled extensively throughout the country, including to Záhony, Tuzsér, Pápa, Debrecen, Székesfehérvár, and Felcsút. The United States remains deeply committed to connecting with Hungarians from diverse backgrounds across Hungary.
For additional information and media inquiries, please contact the U.S. Embassy press office at PressBDP@state.gov. Ambassador Pressman may be followed on Twitter: @USAmbHungary.
