Political ties between the US and Hungary could improve to the level of security and economic relations through dialogue, the foreign ministry said. The Hungarian government is committed to resolving any disputes between the two countries through dialogue, the ministry said, commenting on Tuesday’s Congress hearing on the future of bilateral relations. The ministry welcomed that Hoyt Yee, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, praised the security policy cooperation between their countries.
Hungary sees the United States as a key ally and trusts that security policy and economic cooperation are trouble-free. Hungary as a member of NATO remains focused on contributing to uphold the stability and security of the North Atlantic region through cooperation with its allies, especially the US, it said. US companies have boosted investments in Hungary, employing already 90,000 people, the ministry noted. It is “only natural” that “countries on friendly terms should have differences of opinion”, it said, adding that Hungary has been aware of Washington’s criticism of government measures over the past few years. It noted however that Hungary’s measures have complied with EU law.
Meanwhile the radical nationalist Jobbik party has called on the Hungarian government to name its lobbyists in the United States and reveal how much they are paid. Deputy group leader Márton Gyöngyösi said that the hearing on the future of Hungarian-US relations held in Washington, DC, on Tuesday brought discredit on Hungary. According to Gyöngyösi, the event was organised by a lobbyist for the government and a Republican representative who supports Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two “phantom lobbyists”, named Arthur J Finkelstein and George E Birnbaum, have been involved in preparations in Budapest, Gyöngyösi said. He added that neither the timing of the hearing nor its subject have been fortunate, considering that US-Hungarian relations have showed some signs of consolidation since the arrival of the new ambassador, Colleen Bell.
via hungarymatters.hu photo: magyarhirlap.hu