US ambassador to conclude office term

In his announcement posted on the US Embassy’s home page, the ambassador said that “it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the country that I love in a country that I have come to cherish”.

He said that US-Hungarian relationship “is more than just one person”.

Cornstein said that working with the entire team at the embassy, both Americans and Hungarians, he is proud of how much has been “accomplished together in strengthening our countries’ bonds as allies”.

“While I will miss Hungary and all the wonderful friends and memories I have made here, my Embassy team, Hungary, and the Hungarian people will always remain in my heart,” the ambassador said.

Cornstein was confirmed by the US Senate on May 24, 2018 and presented his credentials to Hungarian President Janos Ader on June 25, 2018.

Szijjarto: Hungary respected in White House

Hungary, the Hungarian government and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are regarded with respect, appreciation and support in the White House, the foreign minister said in a Facebook entry on Tuesday evening, after a ceremony.

Peter Szijjarto was the only EU foreign minister to attend there the signing of Israel’s agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on normalising diplomatic ties, a document he earlier called “historic”.

He said that two agreements were signed that could open “a whole new chapter” in history, replacing war and terrorism with peace. Szijjarto called this all the more important because security in the Middle East has an impact on Europe’s security. The accord brokered by US President Donald Trump would mandate a Nobel Peace Prize to be granted to him, Szijjarto said.

During his visit, the Hungarian foreign minister held talks with National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows,

Szijjarto said that Hungarian-US relations are at their peak. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Donald Trump both speak clearly and honestly about their own vision and neither of them can be blamed of hypocrisy, he said, adding that this created the basis for their excellent cooperation. In addition, they both take a firm stand against illegal migration, think similarly about protecting Christian communities and supporting families, and agree on world policy issues.

Szijjarto also signed an agreement between the Hungarian government and the largest privately held space research company listed on the stock exchange.

Concerning energy issues, Szijjarto said Hungary’s recently concluded long-term gas purchase agreement with Shell won general acclaim in Washington.

The foreign minister met David B. Cornstein, the outgoing ambassador of the United States to Hungary, who is returning to his home country in November.