Katalin Novák - who welcomed the diplomats with her husband, István Veres - said in her speech in English that we are hopefully over the coronavirus epidemic, but we still have to face its economic and social consequences. The war in Ukraine broke out - he continued to describe the problems. Many European countries had problems with energy supply. Migration pressure is increasing on Hungary's southern borders.
There is uncertainty in society, salaries are not competitive in some sectors, and there is also a never-ending struggle with Brussels.
he listed. On the other hand, however, the Hungarians have a strong economy, stable politics, and also have a good ability to withstand crises, emphasized Katalin Novák.
He added: Strategic thinking is characteristic of Hungary, and the people living here work hard and want a family. They are proud to be Hungarians and Europeans at the same time, they want to prosper in their homeland, but at the same time they also want to explore the world. The President of the Republic stressed that mutual respect and pragmatism must be relied upon.
Speaking to the ambassadors, he emphasized that he sees their diversity. Different cultures differ from each other, different decisions are made, but Hungary respects them. He expects the same in return: the respect of his culture and decisions by others, he added.
He touched on the fact that Russia attacked Ukraine almost a year ago.
In this matter, you have to be pragmatic, but you also have to think about Europe's survival. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) must stay out of the war, it must not be allowed to get carried away by emotions and therefore get involved in the conflict, said Katalin Novák, wishing that the new year would indeed bring peace.
The head of state emphasized that for him the family is still at the center, not only as a mother, but also in the sense of how families can be supported in Hungary.
He said: the 5th Budapest Demographic Summit will be held in autumn. He noted that the Polish ambassador came to Wednesday's event with a child who was only a few weeks old. He said that he is glad that Hungary is a family-friendly place where this is not a problem.
He said that for him his visits abroad are about the exchange of ideas and the sharing of arguments.
Hungary is an open place in the middle of Europe, and if someone needs an explanation or cooperation, the Hungarians are at your disposal - the President of the Republic indicated to the ambassadors.
Katalin Novák said that, among other things, the traditional New Year's reception is held in the House of Hungarian Music because the building, which has won many international awards, represents the cultural development of the past period and is an excellent example of how something can be both unique and universal, traditional and modern. , Hungarian and international.
MTI
Photo: Katalin Novák's Facebook page
