Prime Minister Viktor Orbán paid tribute to former US Ambassador to Hungary Mark Palmer, in a letter to the widow of the late diplomat. The letter was read by Hungary’s Ambassador to the United States György Szapáry on Wednesday, at an event commemorating the late diplomat’s legacy. Mark Palmer served in Budapest between 1986 and 1990 and received several awards, including the Hungarian Order of Merit Middle Cross for his efforts in promoting democracy.

Ambassador Palmer's life was intertwined with the history of the Hungarian people and the country is thankful for his courage and foresight, the Prime Minister wrote in the letter.

He described him as an active participant during "those revolutionary years when our democratic system was forged out of the dictatorship", adding that the diplomat had performed much beyond his official duties as ambassador through his strong commitment to freedom, his active approach to events in decisive moments, and by maintaining close cooperation with the opposition forces.

"We, members of the anti-Communist opposition at that time in Hungary, remember Mark Palmer as an unwavering friend who stood by us in difficult times", Prime Minister Orbán stated, highlighting that the American diplomat had confronted Communist powers and those in the West who had disagreed with his vision for a "Europe without an Iron Curtain".

(Prime Minister’s Office)