CJF meets the Hungarian Ambassador
The Hungarian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Gabor Csaba,addressed the Capital Jewish Forum (CJF) on ‘Hungary: 20 Years On and Now in the Driver’s Seat’ at the Ambassador’s residence.
Ambassador Gabor Csaba with Manny Waks p. Sylvia Deutch
During his presentation, Ambassador Csaba gave a succinct overview of Hungary’s 1000-year history in the heart of Europe. A major emphasis of the presentation was in relation to the European Union, with Hungary taking over the rotating presidency on 1 January 2011 for the first time. The Ambassador described the ambitious agenda his government has vis-a-vis its EU presidency. Some of the other major topics that were raised in the Ambassador’s presentation and the subsequent Q&A session include:
· the Global Financial Crisis – its impact on Hungary and the government’s response;
· Hungary’s major foreign policy objectives;
· minority groups in both Hungary and Europe – especially relating to the Roma;
· a European policy on energy security;
· enlargement of the European Union;
· the controversial new Hungarian media laws;
· Charles Zentai (accused Hungarian Nazi war criminal now residing in Western Australia);
· the rise of the extreme right in Europe – including in Hungary; and
· Hungary’s relationship with the US, Russia and Turkey.
CJF Founder and Executive Director Manny Waks said: “As the current holders of the European Union presidency, it was a great opportunity to be hosted by the Hungarian Ambassador at his Embassy and to hear both about Hungary and more broadly about the European Union. As a former academic – and for the last few years as a senior Hungarian diplomat – it was an absolute delight to hear Ambassador Csaba speak forthrightly and openly about a range of matters of concern and interest to the Jewish community.
CJF members greatly enjoyed and appreciated the Ambassador’s warm and generous hospitality, including the opportunity to taste some traditional Hungarian cuisine. This was especially the case for the several CJF members from Hungarian backgrounds, some of whom also engaged with the Embassy chef at the conclusion of the event to enquire about the recipes.”
