New American ambassador presents credentials

The new Ambassador of the United States to Hungary, Colleen Bradley Bell presented her credentials to the President of Hungary János Áder this Wednesday in the Sándor Palace. She also laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Heroes’ Square.

"I am humbled to start this new chapter as our nation's ambassador in Budapest," Bell said at her swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C. on December 16.

I her speech, she emphasized that relationship between the United States and Hungary "has been strengthened through almost 250 years of triumphs and tests. It is defined by the cooperation between our governments, but even more so by the connections between our people - countless relationships in business, the arts, scholarship and science."

She added that she was looking forward to "growing those connections as we strengthen our important and longstanding alliance," pointing that that "the United States and Hungary share a defense and security partnership through NATO and the OSCE, as well as the American-sponsored International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest. We are reminded nearly every day, by tumult in Europe and around the globe, why that alliance is so important."

She was of the view that the two countries "also share common goals that will contribute to regional security, including stability in the Balkans, energy independence, the promotion of democracy in Europe's East, and the success of T-TIP [Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership]. Our two nations share these goals because our people share many values. And part of my job as ambassador is to ensure that our relationship respects and reflects those values."