Growing Africa-Hungary ties on Historic relationship

Budapest, Hungary: 7 June, 2013: “Hungary and other Central and Eastern European countries played an important role during our anti-colonial struggles and our early years of nation-formation and state-building in the development of African human capital, with many of our leaders and professionals passing through your universities.”

H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini, the African Union Commission Chairperson, recollected this history at the first ever Budapest Africa Forum, holding 6-7 June, 2013, in Budapest, Hungary, during which she called for closer cooperation and collaboration between Hungary and Africa. Enumerating revealing indicators of the continent’s great potentials and litany of challenges, AUC Chairperson advocated for renewed engagement with Hungary, at this critical time when Africa is re-defining its partnership with the world.

Concurring with the AUC Chairperson, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. János Martonyi, said, “Africa has taken its new place in the world and that; the rest of the world should adjust to it.” Extending a special welcome to the AUC Chairperson, H.E. János Martonyi alluded to the clarity and eloquence of Africa’s message to the world as dignitaries gathered in Addis Ababa and the rest of the world joined to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity and African Union. The Minister confirmed Hungary’s commitment to accompany Africa to achieve its Agenda 2063.

H.E. János Martonyi said that 2013 is a special year in the Hungarian African relations, and indicated that the Budapest Africa Forum was proof of this rebirth and Hungary will contribute to prosperity, peace and security in Africa through multilateral and bilateral relations and cooperation. As member of the European Union, it will actively participate in reshaping relations with Africa. H.E. János Martonyi promised that Hungary will contribute more than 100 million Euros to the European Development Fund, and will increase its role in education by increasing the number of African students wishing to study in Hungarian institutions of higher learning. He also promised increase in its sports diplomacy, academic and business forums as well as other multi-faceted events.

Hungary does not have mineral resources and oil but prides itself with its extensive experience in agriculture, education, human resource development, science, technology and innovation. Welcoming African and Hungarian delegates to the two day event, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Budapest, Tamás Szentes said thousands of Africans had been trained in Hungary, and assuring that they are ready to host and train more.

Amongst the speakers at the Forum, was Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mrs. Hanna Tetteh. Born of a Ghanaian father who met her Hungarian mother at medical school in Hungary, she reassured the audience that, “Africa is not asking for handouts, but looking for partnerships.” She noted that Hungarian trade with Africa has more potential than trade with other regions. She called on the Hungarian government to open its doors to students as it did in the 1960s.

The Budapest Africa Forum is one of about 30 events organized within a short period, aimed at shoring up Hungary’s foreign policy strategy of “Global Opening.” About 200 delegates representing governments, academics, civil society and business came from over 20 African countries, African embassies in Central and Eastern European and Hungary. A declaration at the end of the Forum will chart the way forward to enhance engagement between Hungary and Africa.