Latest news with #NationalAssemblyofHungary


Budapest Times
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Vietnam hosts a double celebration
The Embassy of Vietnam in Hungary held a formal ceremony in the Pesti Vigadó in downtown Budapest on the evening of April 29, 2025, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Hungary (February 3, 1950-February 3, 2025) and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-April 30, 2025). More than 500 distinguished guests enjoyed a solemn and warm atmosphere. The attendees included the First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, Mrs. Márta Mátrai; Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Mrs. Kovacs Katalin; Deputy Prosecutor General, Mr. Tibor Ibolya; Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Stifter Adam; President of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Association, Mr. Botz László; along with numerous senior officials, representatives of ministries and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, Hungarian friends and the Vietnamese community in Hungary. This occasion not only revisited the proud historical journey of bilateral relations, affirming the strong and traditional friendship between the two nations, but also instilled pride in the Vietnamese community in Hungary for their homeland's cause of national construction and defence. It further recalled the heroic and arduous struggle of the Vietnamese people, culminating in the great Spring Victory of 1975, which completely liberated the South and reunified the country, ushering Vietnam into a new era of independence, freedom, happiness, civilisation, prosperity and elevated international standing. In his remarks, Ambassador Bui Le Thai emphasised that the 75-year diplomatic relationship has been a proud journey, nurtured by solidarity, trust and sustainable cooperation. He expressed deep gratitude for the valuable support extended by the Government and people of Hungary during Vietnam's struggle for independence and reunification, as well as in its current process of renovation and development. The Ambassador affirmed that, despite geographical distance and ongoing global changes, the Party, Government and people of Vietnam always value and wish to further develop the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership between the two countries. Ambassador Bui Le Thai and First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mrs. Márta Mátrai at the celebration Looking back on half a century since the liberation and reunification of the country, Ambassador Bui Le Thai said it was not only a great victory of the Vietnamese nation but also a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, the spirit of independence and resilience, great national unity, international solidarity and the truth that 'Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom… Today, Vietnam is entering a new era, a period of national revival marked by confidence, self-reliance and national pride,' he emphasised. The Ambassador said Vietnam and Hungary will continue to write new chapters in their traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation, with 75 years of history in friendly cooperation, a solid foundation of strong bilateral relations, high political trust between the two countries' leaderships, mutual understanding between the two peoples, shared values of peace, progress, and prosperity, and the determination from both sides. On behalf of the Government and National Assembly of Hungary, First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mrs. Márta Mátrai conveyed the warm congratulations of Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, and of the entire Parliament and Government of Hungary to the people of Vietnam on the double milestone being celebrated. She congratulated Vietnam on its achievements since 1975 and expressed pride that Hungary had contributed to its struggle for national liberation, particularly through Hungary's participation in the International Commission of Control and Supervision (ICCS) from 1973 to 1975. Mrs. Mátrai highly appreciated the traditional multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, especially parliamentary cooperation — one of the key pillars of the bilateral relationship — through high-level visits, committee exchanges, and legislative experience-sharing dialogues. She announced that Speaker Kövér has accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam, expected to be in October this year. She recognised the valuable contributions of the Vietnamese community in Hungary to the country's development and affirmed the Government and Parliament of Hungary will continue to create favourable conditions for their successful integration. At the ceremony, Ambassador Bui Le Thai presented a special commemorative publication jointly produced by the Embassy of Vietnam in Hungary and Eurasia magazine to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In addition to the formal program, the celebration featured rich cultural experiences. The guests enjoyed traditional Vietnamese musical performances, cuisine and exhibitions, including a photo display and film screenings recounting the 75-year history of bilateral friendship and Vietnam's 50 years of national development. The celebration left a profound impression on all attendees, hopefully inspiring both nations to continue jointly writing new chapters in their joint history.


New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Bharat Summit 2025 stresses pluralism, diversity, respect to counter polarisation
HYDERABAD: At a panel discussion titled 'Overcoming Polarization with Pluralism, Diversity and Respect' during the Bharat Summit 2025, speakers emphasised the urgent need to address rising polarisation through pluralism, diversity and respect. Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha highlighted that pluralism and diversity are foundational to democracy. Citing Telangana as an example, he remarked, 'Disagreement must not lead to disdain,' urging society to embrace diversity as a strength that fosters development and unity. Esteban Paulon, a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina, cautioned against the rise of extreme right-wing ideologies that propagate division and hate. He called for progressive, inclusive policies rooted in human dignity and equal rights, stating, 'We must fight for a society where everyone can thrive without discrimination.' Echoing similar views, Zita Gurmai, a member of the National Assembly of Hungary, stressed the critical role of gender equality in sustaining democracies. She condemned cultural and political backlashes against women and minorities, asserting, 'Diversity and feminism are not threats. They are antidotes to hate-driven politics,' and called for stronger global solidarity. Professor Rahul Mukherji, academic and political thinker, pointed to crony capitalism and aggressive nationalism as major threats to democratic values. He advocated for the revival of secular and progressive alliances and emphasised the need to protect civic spaces, drawing on India's rich pluralistic tradition under leaders like Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi.


Budapest Times
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
75 years of bilateral relations, from the slogan 'We are with you, Vietnam' to a growing Comprehensive Partnership
After the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was born in 1945, Hungary was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations, on February 3, 1950. It was President Ho Chi Minh who laid the foundation for the friendly relationship between what is now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Hungary. Since then, bilateral relations have continuously developed, with many significant achievements. This year, 2025, will see the two countries organise many activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. The President and Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary are expected to visit Vietnam. On the Vietnamese side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son will visit Hungary. Many delegations at the level of Deputy Ministers from ministries, branches and localities of Vietnam are scheduled to visit Hungary and the Embassy of Vietnam in Hungary plans to organise many celebrations. The embassy in Budapest anticipates that these activities will further strengthen political trust, mutual understanding and exchanges between the people of the two countries, creating new, positive and more effective steps for the bilateral embassy says the relationship is built on a foundation of deep political trust, empathy, sincere sentiment and mutual understanding, which have been maintained and nurtured throughout the past period of struggle for national liberation and reunification of Vietnam and in the current period of renovation and national construction. Hungary has provided significant and valuable aid to North Vietnam through donations that help train many military students, experts, engineers and doctors who later have become leading experts in relevant industries. During Vietnam's struggle for reunification, Hungary continued to offer support by practical actions such as supportive articles, telegrams of sympathy, marches and demonstrations against the war, calling for peace. The slogan 'We are with you, Vietnam' was popular in political life in Hungary at that time and remains in the memories of many Hungarians and Vietnamese people today. The Party, State and citizens remember and are grateful for this valuable and effective help from Hungary. Currently, despite the geographical distance and changes in the world, Vietnam values and wishes to further develop this traditional friendship. When the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, visited Hungary in 2018, a Joint Declaration to upgrade bilateral relations to Comprehensive Partnership was declared, making Hungary the first Central Eastern European country to have such a partnership with Vietnam. Since then, other high-level visits have enhanced political trust and mutual understanding, with many cooperation documents in various fields. Notably, the Communist Party and Fidesz signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening cooperation between them in 2017. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Hungary in early 2024 created a strong spillover effect at all levels and sectors of both countries, forming a new momentum to promote cooperative relations in all fields. Since then, two-way trade has grown, with Vietnam continuing to be Hungary's leading trading partner in ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Two-way trade turnover in 2024 reached USD 932 million. Hungary's foreign direct investment into Vietnam recorded USD 72.36 million, ranking 54th out of 147 countries and territories investing in the Asian nation. Vietnam has invested in Hungary in two projects with a total capital of USD 5.8 million and currently is applying for an investment licence for a project in Hungary worth more than USD 80 million. Cooperation in education and training continues to be a bright spot. Every year, Hungary provides up to 200 Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships to Vietnamese students, and many Vietnamese pursue their study in Hungary as self-funded students. Other fields of cooperation such as culture, sports and tourism, justice, agriculture, health, natural resources and environment have positive developments. Vietnam-Hungary relations have gone through a history of 75 years of friendship, cooperation and development. The two countries always share aspirations for peace and progress, mutual support and close coordination in international forums, especially at the United Nations, and have now become comprehensive partners of each other.