RÉKASZEMERKÉNYI-Ambassador of Hungary
PHOTOBYTONYPOWELL
H
ow are you dealing with the repercussions in the U.S. about
how Hungary is handling the European migrant crisis? My aim is
to inform the U.S. decision makers and public of the actions of the Hungarian
government, to highlight the motivations behind them and raise awareness of the
complex challenges and dilemmas facing us in dealing with this unforeseen crisis. The
current migration crisis is unprecedented, it poses humanitarian as well as security
challenges and raises fundamental questions about European immigration policy.
Hungary’s answers reflect the complexity of these challenges. Hungary pays a
special attention to comply with all international humanitarian obligations and
provides food, water, emergency medical supplies and shelter to all migrants
seeking asylum. Hungary is also responsible for our common European external
border and therefore erected a fence to protect those borders. It is in line with EU
law that clearly stipulates the responsibility of Hungary to protect the Schengen
borders. At the same time Hungary has consistently called for focusing on the root
causes of the migration wave. We firmly believe a long-term solution has to be
developed which addresses the root causes of the crisis to help protect the lives
and human rights of the affected people in their home countries.
Outside of the migrant crisis what global issues are most important to Hungary?
Hungary has traditionally played an i mportant role in regional security and EuroAtlantic integration and we continue to do so. Hungary has been active in cyber
security, helping to promote regional and international cooperation in combatting
cybercrime.
Sustainable global water use has emerged as an issue where Hungary has
played an outsize role and the country has been very active in the UN process on
formulating the new Sustainable Development Goals, especially with regards to
water management and sanitation.
Does your background as the prime minister’s chief advisor on security policy play
a role in your duties as ambassador? Yes. Security policy is one of the most
important building blocks of U.S. – Hungarian bilateral friendship, so my background
in this area is very important in the work I do here. As a professional, I am very proud
of our military working closely with our American allies previously in Afghanistan and
now in Northern Iraq, fighting ISIL, as well as of Hungary currently contributing to the
air defense of the Baltic states. My relationship with the prime minister also allows
me to be more effective as ambassador.
What are some things Americans don’t know about Hungary that they should?
Recently Budapest has emerged as one of the most important IT startup hubs in
Europe. But Hungarian innovations offer an equally fascinating insight into what
work is being done there. And of course, Budapest is home to excellent cuisine,
wine tasting and pastry shops that serve delicious cakes often named after major
historical figures. I would highly recommend everyone to go, visit us and check
these out
What local and cultural issues are you focusing on in Washington this year? We
always strive to add a special Hungarian flavor to the thriving D.C. cultural life.
Of the programs we are planning to organize this Fall, I would highlight the
screening of the new Hungarian movie “Son of Saul” in D.C. in December, before
the U.S. premier. This critically acclaimed gripping movie about the Holocaust
will represent Hungarian cinema at the Oscars this year and has won the Grand
Prix at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival
@HungaryinUSA
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