Keresés: kristof

The Hungarian Science Club had its second academic symposium this year on 10 November 2016 at the Embassy of Hungary. At the academic symposium Hungarian scientists presented their work, followed by music from cellist Dóra Kokas. The participants also commemorated István Széchenyi on the occasion of his 225th birth anniversary.

The Hungarian Science Club in London aims to provide a platform for Hungarian academics and researchers working in the United Kingdom to share their work and network. The invited guests were Hungarian academics and researchers working in the United Kingdom, policy makers and science and technology diplomats  serving in London. After the welcome speech from Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, the event was addressed by Dr. Márta Korbonits, Professor of Endocrinology from the Queen Mary University of London, who is the founding member of the Club. At the academic symposium Dr József Sákovics, Professor of Economic Theory, University of Edinburgh, Dr Zoltán Molnár, Professor of Developmental Neurobiology, University of Oxford, Dr. Dániel Z. Kádár, Professor of English Language and Linguistics, University of Huddersfield presented their works, which was followed by music by Dóra Kokas cellist and the participants also viewed the ‘Acts from Vision’ exhibition paying tribute to István Széchenyi, commemorating his 225th birth anniversary.

Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Róbert Ésik, President of the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency, Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky and representatives of ten UK companies with an investment in and close ties to Hungary signed a memorandum of understanding on 19 October 2016 to launch the UK-Hungary Business Council.

The purpose of the UK-Hungary Business Council is to create a new framework for development of stronger business relations between the United Kingdom and Hungary. After the referendum it is of utmost importance to care for the implementation of reciprocal business and economic objectives as well as to sustain and further develop the excellent investment and trade relations. The members of the UK-Hungary Business Council are investors already present in Hungary (Tesco, BP, British American Tobacco, British Telecom, GSK, KPMG LLP, City of London Corporation, CP Holdings, International Personal Finance Plc, Maltacourt) as well as businessmen with close ties to Hungary.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky presented his credentials to Her Majesty the Queen on 15 November 2016. He was accompanied to the Buckingham Palace by Alistair Harrison, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, Beáta Margitay-Becht deputy head of mission, Colonel József Gulyás defence attache, Edina Cserjés head of consulate and Máté Pesti investment and trade attache.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky presented his credentials to Her Majesty the Queen on 15 November 2016. He was accompanied to the Buckingham Palace by Alistair Harrison, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, Beáta Margitay-Becht deputy head of mission, Colonel József Gulyás defence attache, Edina Cserjés head of consulate and Máté Pesti investment and trade attache.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky met Sir Eric Pickles, Conservative MP, Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues of the UK government on 18 October 2016 in the House of Commons. 

The parties exchanged views about developments in the field of fighting against antisemitism in Hungary and the UK respectively, prospects of the Brexit process and other current topics of mutual interest.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky hosted a working breakfast with Annamarie Phelps CBE, Chair of British Rowing, and Szabolcs Bényi, Chair of Hungarian Rowing Association to discuss best practices, and future cooperation opportunities, such as the 2019 Masters World Championship in Hungary.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky attended the World Alzheimer’s Ball and prior to the event hosted a dinner in honour of some prominent guests of the Ball as a contribution to the charity event. The event was promoted by Lady Barbara Judge CBE, Chairman of the Special Events Support Committee for Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK.

Explaining the reason for the Hungarian participation in the event, the Ambassador underlined that improving people’s mental health, including that of those who suffer from dementia, is regarded as a priority by the Hungarian government and  Hungary is committed to the international endeavours aimed at supporting people with dementia and improving relevant practices in this field.

The Ball helped to send a powerful message about the importance of championing the dementia agenda. According to the organisers, the money, raised through sponsorship, table and ticket sales, pledges and a luxury silent auction will be used for researching dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky met Steve Summers, Lord Mayor of Westminster to discuss future cooperation opportunities between Hungary, her capital Budapest, and Westminster in the fields of culture, sports, and education.

The Ambassador had his first introductory meetings in the House of Commons and House of Lords during the week of 11-15 July 2016.

He met members of the Hungary All-Party Parliamentary Group to discuss the post-EU-referendum situation in Westminster and the Parliament’s role in the process. Brexit was the main topic of discussion with prominent Eurosceptic Bill Cash MP, Chair of the EU Scrutiny Committee and Lord Boswell, Chair of the EU Select Committee.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky hosted a dinner on 23 November 2016 in honour of MPs and peers with an interest in Hungary.

The Ambassador had an exchange of views with the participants about the political and economic landscape in Hungary and the United Kingdom, as well as the aftermath of the Brexit vote. Mr Bob Neill MP, Chair of the Hungary All-Party Parliamentary Hungary Group, Sir William Cash MP, Chair of the European Scrutiny Committee of the House of Commons and Sir Edward Leigh MP represented the UK Conservative Party, while Dame Rosie Winterton MP, Lord Gordon of Strathblane, Lord Anderson of Swansea, Lord Davies of Stamford and Clive Betts MP were present from the Labour Party. Mark Boleat, Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee represented the City of London contributed with the business angle to the discussion.

A reception dedicated to celebrate the 10th anniversary of establishing the Westminster Business Council was held on 1st December at the Embassy of Hungary. The event was hosted by His Excellency Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Ambassador of Hungary to the UK. The London-based Business Council has approximately 12 thousand partners within its business network among them some of the most prominent companies in the British business world.

The Hungarian ambassador in his opening speech mentioned that he would like to continue to rely on the constructive cooperation between the Embassy and the organisation, with the aim of creating more awareness of Hungary and its business friendly environment among UK businesses. Following the opening remarks of Elizabeth Crowter-Hunt, CEO and Barry Malcolm Tucker, Chairman of the Westminster Business Council, the attendees could continue their conversations while some traditional Hungarian wine and snacks were served for them.

The V4 countries are committed to EU integration and its achievements, but a strong EU needs to be built on strong Member States, emphasised His Excellency Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky at a panel discussion organised by King’s College London Diplomatic Society. The event on 5th December 2016 brought together the four Visegrád ambassadors for an exchange of views with the audience on the future of the EU after Brexit.

The strength of the EU lies in being “united in diversity”, which includes preserving national and cultural identities as well – we do not need “more” or “less” Europe, but a “better” Europe, the Ambassador underlined. The four ambassadors stressed that there are no official positions on Brexit, since negotiations haven’t started yet, but all referred to the importance of preserving strong bilateral and multilateral ties with the UK. Ambassador Szalay-Bobrovniczky added, that we do not need a hard or soft, but rather a fair Brexit.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky had a discussion with Lord Fowler on 10 January, following the appointment of Lord Fowler as the new Lord Speaker in September 2016.
The parties exchanged views about the role of the House of Lords in the Brexit process and the Ambassador gave an overview about the Hungarian position on Brexit. They also touched upon the migration crisis with the Ambassador explaining the background of the measures taken by the Hungarian government to handle illegal migration.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky had a discussion with Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales on 10 January 2017 at Gwydyr House.

During the meeting, the parties talked about recent developments in Hungary and Wales. The Ambassador and the Secretary of State also exchanged views about opportunities for further deepening the cooperation between Hungary and Wales.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky was honoured to meet David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland on 18 January 2017 at Dover House.
During the meeting, the parties talked about recent developments in Hungary and Wales, also touching upon areas of mutual cooperation.

At a ceremony at the Embassy of Hungary in London on 18 January 2017 Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, on behalf of János Áder, President of Hungary, awarded the Commander’s cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary to Lord Alton of Liverpool. The award is in recognition of the supportive role he played during the UK’s festive week dedicated to St Thomas Becket hosted by the Embassy of Hungary in May 2016. It is also in recognition for Lord Alton’s championing those who are persecuted for their religion or belief.

 Ambassador Szalay-Bobrovniczky pointed out, that by bringing a spiritual dimension to international diplomacy the Becket week reminded us all that „when nation speaks to nation, heart must also speak to heart.” Lord Alton said in his acceptance speech that „the message and example of St Thomas Becket is still relevant some 800 years after his death and that the honour was a “great encouragement to do more” to fight for freedom of religion or belief.

​Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky hosted a discussion with Sir William Cash, Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee of the House of Commons and other prominent Conservative Brexiter Members of the Parliament.

Sir William Cash, The Rt. Hon. Peter Lilley, The Rt. Hon. John Redwood, The Rt. Hon. Owen Paterson, Mr Bernard Jenkin and Mr Steve Baker explained the reasons behind their support for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union and exchanged views about the future of Britain and Europe. The Ambassador gave an overview about the official positon of the Hungarian government on the Brexit process and underlined the increased importance of the Visegrad countries. The MPs reassured the Ambassador that even though they voted for Brexit, they also regard it important to guarantee the rights of the EU citizens already residing in the United Kingdom.

Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Dr László Szabó, Minister of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Mr Frank Moxon, Master of the Company opened a wine tasting organized with the Worshipful Company of International Bankers. Members of the Company tasted the excellent wines of the Szepsy and Szent Tamás Wineries and listened to a presentation on the characteristics of the wines and the Tokaj region held by Tamás Nagy, wine expert. 

Ahead of his official visit to Scotland on 22-24 February 2017, Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky met Angus Robertson, Member of the Parliament for the Scottish National Party (SNP), Westminster leader of the SNP, Deputy SNP Leader on 20 February.
The parties exchanged views about current topics of mutual interest relating to Hungary and Scotland/UK. Angus Robertson explained the Scottish devolved government’s official position on the Brexit process, while the Ambassador gave an overview about the purpose of his visit to Scotland, including understanding the Brexit related thoughts of representatives of the region’s business, political and university circles and further improving our mutual cooperation in the field of business, culture and education. 

On 21 February 2017, Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky met John Whittingdale, Conservative Member of the Parliament for Maldon, who will be heading the delegation of the British Group Interparliamentary Union (BGIPU) to Hungary between 27 February and 2 March.
The Ambassador and the MP, who is also member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hungary exchanged views about current topical issues, like prospects of the Brexit process, expectations regarding the new US administration or the current situation in Eastern Europe.