Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó awarded outgoing US ambassador Colleen Bell Hungary’s Order of Merit, middle cross, in Budapest.
US Ambassador Colleen Bell has received the middle cross of Hungary’s Order of Merit from Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó (photo: Noémi Bruzák – MTI)
In his laudation, Szijjártó said that Bell had taken her post in Hungary at a time when “bilateral political cooperation was not at its best”. “The situation has greatly changed since,” Szijjártó added. He praised Bell’s commitment to rebuilding ties and noted her “unconditional respect” for Hungary. The key to success is “mutual respect and continuous dialogue”, Szijjártó said.
Speaking about challenges facing the transatlantic community, Colleen Bell said cooperation and commitment to shared values were crucial. She added that as ambassador she had worked to promote ties between the peoples of Hungary and her country.
Meanwhile Ambassador Bell, who has served in Hungary since January 2015, shared a personal video message, saying thank you and goodbye to all Hungarians.
via hungarymatters.hu and MTI; photos: Noémi Bruzák – MTI; video: US Embassy to Hungary