Dual Ambassadors' Chat at AmCham Hungary

For the second time, the American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (AmCham) hosted the Hungarian Ambassador to the United States, Réka Szemerkényi and the American Ambassador to Hungary, Colleen Bell at a joint business forum at the Budapest Marriott Hotel.

According to AmCham, Ambassador Bell talked of “my good friend”, Ambassador Szemerkényi of a “good friend and partner”, and an “exceptional counterpart”. The two women were reflecting on a year in post, a period the American described as “a pleasurable whirlwind”. And they agreed the relationship was in rude health.

“It is abundantly clear that the United States and Hungary have a robust commercial relationship,” said Ambassador Bell.

“One of my goals during my second year is to see that [expansion] happen…. I want to make sure the relationship continues to expand for many years to come: I am committed to that.”

Her Hungarian counterpart described AmCham as part of the “bedrock of the relationship” and described its member companies as “one of the most important bridges” connecting the two states. But she pointed out that the links were not based on trade alone.

“Economic ties have never been stronger than today, but these do not exist in a vacuum, they are imbedded in, and part of, a deeper friendship and alliance that is indispensable.”

The two countries are “strategic partners, allies and friends”, she said.