Hungary’s foreign minister has heralded a new phase in Hungary-US ties during an official visit to Washington, DC.
According to MTI, Minister Szijjártó said that significant changes were afoot at the State Department which would improve relations between the two nations.
As an example, the minister cited the appointment of Wess Mitchell as the official responsible for the central European region, which he said presaged a new chapter in the Hungarian-American political relationship.
The minister revealed how economic ties and cooperation in defense were “excellent”, and he underlined Hungary’s unswerving commitment to NATO and the fight against terrorism.
However, he said political ties have not functioned properly. “We had to face many unfair criticisms, and in several cases we experienced a lack of understanding when it came to America’s assessment of Hungarian measures,” the minister said. A new chapter could begin with Mitchell’s appointment, he said.
“Taking into account the last few years, now is our best chance for political relations to develop to the level of our ties in the economy and defense,” the minister said.
During his trip, Minister Szijjártó will meet Mitchell for talks before consulting with President Donald Trump’s assistant and special representative for international negotiations, Jason Greenblatt, and Trump’s security advisor Fiona Hill.
He will also be meeting with senior leaders of Procter and Gamble and attend a conference organized by the Brookings Institute, where the minister will deliver a speech on Hungarian tax reform and the “extremely successful Hungarian economic model”.