US Deputy Secretary of State in Budapest

As part of his tour of Central Europe, American Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg paid an official visit to Hungary to discuss with Hungarian Foreign Minister János Martonyi issues of international relations with special regard to Hungary's upcoming presidency of the European Union.

Following the talks, the two politicians held a joint press briefing. Here is an excerpt of what Deputy Secretary of State Steinberg had to say there:

“I expressed appreciation for the strong role that Hungary is playing in Afghanistan and Kosovo; the importance of a country which is now not just importing but providing security to others and playing such a critical role on the global stage.  We talked about how we can continue to work together to ensure the success of that mission. We talked about the exciting agenda of Hungary’s upcoming EU presidency, working together on issues of counter-terrorism, on issues of energy security and the important leadership that Hungary is playing on the Eastern Partnership initiative and our strong support for Hungary’s efforts in that respect.  We discussed the Western-Balkans and the importance of our working together, the partnership between the United States and the EU to help all of the countries of the Western-Balkans  achieve their rightful  place in the European and trans-Atlantic structures and how we can work together to ensure that comes about.  I expressed appreciation for the leadership role Hungary is playing on the issue of Roma integration which is something that is a very important issue for all of us. Hungary has shown great leadership on that as well.”

János Martonyi stressed that the visit was important as it showed the United States’ continued interest in Hungary. “It is in the interest of Hungary that the United States be present in Europe,” he added. As for the talks, he said the agenda included issues of transatlantic importance, situation in the West Balkans, preparations for the NATO summit to be held in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and matter of energy security.