The Hungarian government has opened two new consulates in the United Kingdom, one in Manchester and the other in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Péter Szijjártó, minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was present at both inaugurations and said the new offices would serve Hungarians living in or visiting the United Kingdom.
Minister Szijjártó referred to Britain as a “friend and ally” and voiced regret over the country leaving the European Union, but added that the Hungarian government “respects the British decision”. He added that the EU has “much to lose” with Brexit but Hungary will make all efforts to continue “in the closest possible ties” with the UK.
Meanwhile, the consulate in Edinburgh will help Hungarians living in Scotland, who previously had to travel to London to arrange Hungarian official matters. The new consulate will also be tasked with helping the development of Hungary-Scotland relations, the minister said.
“Our history has several meeting points and we Hungarians have always had great respect for the Scottish people,” Minister Szijjártó said. The economic strengthening of this cooperation is now also visible, with Scottish exports to Hungary nearly reaching 100 million pounds, he said.