Remarks With Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi Before Their Meeting

Remarks – Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State – Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi

SECRETARY CLINTON: I’m looking forward to a meeting to discuss the wide range of issues concerning not only the bilateral relationship between the United States and Hungary, but also regionally and globally. I thank the Minister for his willingness to discuss all of these matters and to look for ways that we can deepen and broaden our relationship.

It is the 56^th anniversary of the uprising in Hungary 56 years ago that was one of the strongest signs of the Hungarian people’s desire for freedom, for democracy, and the United States continues to strongly support the aspirations of the Hungarian people. And we’re delighted to have you here, Minister Martonyi.

FOREIGN MINISTER MARTONYI: And I thank you very much for this very, very kind invitation and for the meeting. I just would like to express my great gratitude for this opportunity, also for your very kind words and also for all the help and advices you have been giving to us in the last couple of years.

Yes, indeed, we are celebrating now. It’s not only the 56^th anniversary of the ’56 Revolution, but also with some flexibility, the 90^th anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-Hungarian diplomatic relationship. So we have lots of reasons to celebrate. At the same time, we have lots of reasons to talk about things of common interest, and that’s exactly what we are going to do now.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much.

FOREIGN MINISTER MARTONYI: Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Thank you, all.