State visit to Papua New Guinea

The role of the Pacific region is becoming increasingly important, which is why good relations with Papua New Guinea are so important, said President of Hungary Katalin Novák, who arrived in the Independent State of Papua New Guinea on Wednesday for a state visit.  

President Novák offered higher education scholarships in Hungary to 50 talented Papua New Guinean students. 
Katalin Novák recalled that this was the first visit ever by a Hungarian President to Papua New Guinea, and that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established almost 40 years ago. Both Papua New Guinea and Hungary are Christian countries, an excellent basis for good bilateral relations, said Katalin Novák, adding that the visit is an opportunity to commemorate a brave Hungarian Christian woman, missionary Mária Molnár, who worked here about 100 years ago. 
 

A bell donated by the Reformed Church of Hungary was consecrated and blessed on Thursday in memory of Mária Molnár. Speaking at the programme organised in her honour, Katalin Novák said that Hungary will hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in the second half of next year, which can further deepen Papua New Guinea's ties with both Hungary and the EU. 
 

The President also emphasized that Hungary has never had colonies, "we have learned that we must respect others", and that there is always something we can learn from our partners. "We Hungarians are a respectful nation" and the relationship between Papua New Guinea and Hungary should be based on this mutual respect, she said. The people, culture, history and geography of Papua New Guinea and Hungary are quite different, but "we share a common Christianity", she stressed. 
 

The President of Hungary held talks on strengthening economic relations and environmental protection with Acting Governor-General Soroi Eoe, and will also meet with the Prime Minister.