Political Director Szabolcs Takács after meeting with Mr Tadateru Konoé, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) addressed the Diplomatic Corps of Budapest at IFRC Europe Zone Office September 3, 2013. While greeting the representatives of the IFRC and the diplomats accredited in Hungary the Political Director also touched upon Hungary’s role in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement.

Your Excellency, Mr Tadateru Konoé, President of the IFRC,
Ms Anitta Underlin, Director of Europe Zone Office of the IFRC,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Guests,

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs it is my great pleasure to welcome the President of the IFRC, Mr Tadateru Konoé on the occasion of his official visit to Hungary.

During the last 20 years the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary has been maintaining a very active relationship with the IFRC at a high level. The visit of Mr Konoé is very special since it is the first time that we can greet the President of the IFRC in Budapest.

Hungary is strongly and definitely devoted to IFRC and its activity guided by the noble principles of the International Red Cross Movement, namely: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary services, unity and universality. We believe that the efforts aimed at protecting fundamental values inherent in all human beings, assisting the victims of conflicts and of natural hazards, disasters, crises, regardless their nationality, gender, ethnic origin, religious or political beliefs are of utmost significance today.

I would like to express once again my Government’s appreciation that Hungary had been selected to host the Europe Zone Office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies six years ago. I am pleased to reiterate that my Government remains committed to further enhancing our outstanding and traditional cooperation with the International Federation, as well as its Europe Zone Office.

We highly value the contribution of IFRC to building a positive image of elderly people since Europe has to face the challenges of ageing societies.

Elderly people play an indispensable role in the future of societies. It is very important to allow them to remain autonomous and to encourage active ageing. However, many of the elderly are at multiple risks of vulnerabilities and various threats, among them women are particularly in danger.

Hungary has always considered the family as the basic pillar of the society, as it is a reflected pillar of the new Fundamental Law of Hungary, as well. We also attribute high significance to taking responsibility in the family, especially towards the elderly.

As a consequence of the on-going changes in the traditional family model, inter-generational cooperation and dialogue is necessary and should be supported. The whole society can benefit from the life experience of the elderly and the power of the youth.

It is of utmost importance to strengthen solidarity between generations, the younger and older people.

Solidarity is one of the highest values of mankind and volunteering is one of its clear manifestations. We hope that the young activists of the Red Cross Societies constitute a huge reserve of the volunteer activity.

Hereby, I should mention one of the noblest forms of volunteering, namely the humanitarian aid actions. During disasters, catastrophes and economic crises we are witnessing generosity of millions of people offering their help for the victims or vulnerable people affected.

Humanitarian aid to people in need is a longstanding task of our humanitarian assistance activity in natural and man-made disasters and even more in the global economic and financial crisis.

In line with our policy, humanitarian assistance provided by the Government addresses not only the acute humanitarian situations but also focuses on diminishing negative impact of the global crises.

In this context it is worth mentioning the auxiliary role of the National Red Cross Societies to public authorities in the humanitarian field. The Hungarian Red Cross is one of the prominent partners of the Government in its programmes in the scope of international humanitarian activities.

I believe that your visit, Mr Konoé, will further deepen the outstanding co-operation between the Government of Hungary and the IFRC and its European Zone Office.

By concluding, I would like to express my hope that your visit, Mr President, to Hungary and successful discussions with the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources will contribute to furthering our co-operation in the field of international humanitarian assistance to promote the protection of human values.

Thank you for your attention.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)