Katalin Novák at the Conference of Heads of Hungarian Diplomatic Missions: Hungary is a good ally

President of Hungary Katalin Novák gave a presentation to ambassadors of Hungary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Head of State summarised her diplomatic views and ideas in five points: 

1. Hungary has always been and will always be a good ally. An ally that can be counted on even when times are rough. A country prepared to take risks for its allies and never breaking its word. An ally who is firm: Hungary speaks its mind, and can be counted on to do what it says and say what it means.

2. From the very first moment, we have been on the side of peace. On the one hand because there are is a Hungarian community in Ukraine and their members are killed in the war, and on the other hand because we are peace-loving people. And personally, as a mother of three children, I want us to continue to live in peace and to have peace in our neighbourhood. Our position has been crystal clear also on our unequivocal condemnation of Russia's aggression from the very beginning and that we stand by Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

3. With regard to Transcarpathia’s Hungarian community, our position is rock-solid: we insist on their rights and language use, and we will continue to insist on them in the future as well. No one can expect us to make any concessions or compromises with regard to the Hungarians living in Transcarpathia that would diminish or deprive them of their rights.

4. Hungary's goal is for the Western Balkans to finally belong to the European Union also legally. Hungary has a bridging role to play in this process, as we must help to promote understanding between the Member States of the European Union and the countries of the Western Balkans. The countries of the region do not have to prove that they are European - the culture of the Western Balkans is obviously European. This is beyond dispute, and Hungary must strengthen the awareness that they belong to Europe organically. It will therefore be a restoration of a natural state of affairs if they finally join us, Europe, in a legal sense. 

5. Hungary is happy to welcome its allies. On 14-15 September, the Budapest Demographic Summit will be held for the fifth time, with a number of Heads of State and Government also attending. And in the second half of next year, I would like to host world women leaders in Budapest during the Hungarian EU Presidency.