By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
The Embassy of Hungary in Korea hosted a reception to celebrate the National Day commemorating the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 at the Pullman Hotel in Seoul on Oct. 18, 2024.
More than 500 guests, including foreign ambassadors and senior diplomats from the Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Korea, Korean government officials and other local and international dignitaries, attended the gala event.
Delivering congratulatory remarks, Amb. Istvan Szerdahelyi of Hungary in Seoul said, “October 23, 1956 is one of the most significant days in Hungary's history, a day when our nation stood against dictatorship, Soviet military occupation in the fight for freedom. And the date marks more than just an important event for Hungary it was a historical milestone that contributed to shaping the European community peace and cooperation.”
Noting that Hungary's independence was accomplished through immense sacrifices in pursuit of long awaited freedom, the ambassador said, “If you stand up for the unconditional respect for international law such as the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the government of Hungary thoroughly condemns and leaves all forms of aggression and terrorism unlawful.
“For this reason, we provide our full humanitarian support for millions affected by depression and peace and human life are the two most important things in our world. It is important to pay our respect to those sacrificing their lives in their fight for freedom.”
Stressing that Hungary has often been a front runner in our region, as shown by being the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea in 1989, he said, “As we celebrate to lead the 35th anniversary of this diplomatic relationship between Korea and Hungary, I am proud to see our partnership continue stronger than ever.”
Saying that the Republic of Korea has become Hungary's most significant investor, Amb. Istvan Szerdahelyiof said, “Over the last five years we have more than 250 Korean companies in Hungary, which is one of the biggest business communities on the road in our country. Together with Europe's leading countries, our market network cooperation should focus on building a cleaner, more sustainable and liable markets.”
He added, “The pharmaceutical, automotive and particularly the electromobility sectors are the key sectors in this issue. I urge all parties involved to collaborate and further in this field striving together toward achieving our shared objectives for a sustainable future. In addition to economic cooperation, advancing science and technology is essential for attacking the pressing issue for climate change. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our Korean partners for their commitment to fostering strong, meaningful relationships.”
In his congratulatory speech, the First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Lee Ki-il said, “Education and culture are a key area of the interest for Korea and Hungary. I hope to promote bilateral relations between the two countries in these sectors in the future.”
Noh Jae-heon, president of Korea Hungary Friendship Association, said in his congratulatory remarks “I firmly believe that freedom is the basis of the current Hungary and our two countries' relationship. I think it's time to take it to the next level in many other areas other than the economy and investment.”
He added, “Just like Vice Minister Lee said, I think cultural exchange is also very important because it is the minds of two people and that's what our friendship association is doing and we conducted last year.”
