Budapest, May 22, 2012

Dear Ambassadors,
Honorary Consuls,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank you all for inviting me to the celebration of the traditional Africa Day. I would also like to express my gratitude, and congratulate each and every person who participates year by year in the organization of this event.    

We have gathered here today to celebrate Africa, the founding of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union. Traditionally, Africa Day is the biggest annual gathering for all those who deal with this beautiful continent. It is an honour for me to be here with you tonight.

I am also pleased to note that the Hungarian-African relations are prospering, and that in Hungary there is number of permanent channels to regularly exchange our views about Africa. First of all, let me emphasise the important role the non-governmental organizations play in Hungarian-African relations. Their dedicated work is invaluable, as these organizations are not only deeply committed but have well-founded knowledge about the continent.

Hungary on her own and also as a member of the European Union, NATO and the United Nations is eager to identify new fields of cooperation with Africa. I am convinced that we will succeed in our efforts to further develop the relations between our two continents.

The Joint Africa-EU Strategy and Action Plan adopted at the Lisbon Summit in 2007 already provides an outstanding basis to achieve the much needed results in developing our relations and contributing to better life for our peoples. As a result, in 2010 we celebrated already the 3rd EU-Africa Summit in Tripoli to follow the steady progress of our cooperation. We strongly supported during the preparation of that important event the idea of lending an additional dimension to the Summit by mobilizing the African-EU “flagship” initiative. These flagship activities illustrated the quality of Africa-EU cooperation and reflected a consensus approach by NGOs, the private sector, Member States and the European Commission.

Being a member state of the European Union, Hungary is part of the wide network of economic partnerships, integration agreements and development programs. Hungary has offered 125 million Euros to the 10th European Development Fund – most of which is invested in Africa. Due to our support, Hungary takes part in the common brainstorming within the Africa-EU Partnership on the issues of peace and security, as well as migration, mobility and employment. We also do our share in contributing to the settlement of the conflicts in Africa. In the framework of the European Security and Defense Policy, Hungary takes part in different peacekeeping operations, and also participates in EU election observation missions.

It is unfortunate that some parts of Africa are still threatened by epidemics and drought. A rather considerable proportion of the African population still lives under the poverty line. It is our duty to take resolute steps to improve their situation. The accomplishment of the Millennium Development Goals defined by the United Nations is our common goal. Therefore, the nations of the world have to multiply their efforts.

The Hungarian Government stands ready to contribute to this common endeavor. Two years ago our Government launched the policy of global opening which is by now an integral part of our new foreign policy strategy, made public after the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2011. Within that policy we pay particular attention to the development of our relations with Africa in all fields.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Africa is the continent of the most ancient history of humankind. It is also the continent where in every moment something important happens, so it is the continent of the present too.

But first of all Africa is the continent of the future. Several countries of Africa have given clear proof that social solidarity, political stability and hard work will bear its fruit in due course. Today, some countries of the continent are showing the fastest economic growth since gaining independence. We have to encourage the nations of Africa to make use of their own national resources, dynamic cultural values in order to settle their problems.

I am fully convinced we have never been so close to this noble goal.

Thank you for your kind attention!

(kormany.hu)