By H.E. András Kocsis, Ambassador of Hungary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This autumn Hungary commemorates the 60th anniversary of the nation’s tragic and still uplifting revolution and freedom fight against the communist dictatorship in 1956. Hungary is proud to acknowledge its heritage passed on by freedom fighters and is looking with solid optimism into the future, reaching out to partners all over the world.
It was on 23 October 1956 when the first images of a country in revolt within the seemingly pacified and subjugated Socialist Block emerged, triggering an unprecedented shockwave of sympathy worldwide, soon to be followed by the grief over a crushed revolution. Hungary has not forgotten its heroes, nor those who offered a helping hand to hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes in the aftermath.
From August to November 2016, the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague is organising an extensive series of commemoration events throughout the Netherlands, in collaboration with local partners in order to present previously untold stories of rebellion, compassion and lessons learnt from our struggle for democracy, as well as to thank the people of the Netherlands for their gracious hospitality.
Historic connections between Hungary and the Netherlands grew even stronger after the revolution was brutally crushed by the Soviets. Tragic events in our country resonated with the Dutch, who with the horrors of the Second World War fresh in their memory, felt the grief of the victims. The Hungarians, who came to the Netherlands as a result of the revolution, therefore received selfless support and then later became valuable assets to the Dutch society.
The Dutch-Hungarian bilateral relations reach beyond shared democratic values and mutual respect, and are cemented in vivid economic, cultural and political exchange, firmly leaning on the EU membership of the two countries. Connections now exist at all levels of society and in all possible walks of life among individuals, civil and public organisations, scientific and governmental institutions.
Having learnt from our difficult history, Hungary as an active multilateral stakeholder deems it essential to be duly represented in and before the international organisations based in the Netherlands and to contribute to fostering democratic values and the rule of law, as well as the case of international criminal justice, an endeavour manifested in our staunch support for the International Criminal Court.
In Hungary since 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has very wide competences to benefit from the strong connections between classical diplomacy, foreign trade and cultural cooperation.
Hungary is an ideal place for investment. It has an excellent logistic position in the heart of Europe, which is underpinned by highly developed transport and communication infrastructure. The country is situated at the crossroads of four main European transportation corridors. The road and railway transportation network is extensive and it is under continuous development. Therefore we have excellent relations and easy access to growing Central and South-Eastern European and CIS markets.
Numerous foreign and multinational companies are present in our country, their successful activities are also key elements in promoting further foreign investments. The well-trained, creative, flexible and cost-effective human capital is also attractive for investors. The success of celebrated start-ups (Prezi, Ustream, LogMeIn) reflects the creativity of the Hungarian people.
The international schools in Budapest and several towns in the country, the rich cultural life, the high standard of the private medical services and various entertainment facilities also contribute to the success of Hungary as an ideal investment target.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Hungary and ready to provide any further information or assistance.
For additional information: http://haga.gov.hu/1956
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Photography by the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague.
