30 May 2008
Hungarian embassy to open in Minsk next week

An embassy of Hungary will open in Minsk on June 3.

The embassy will start accepting visa applications in the latter half of June, Ambassador Ferenc Kontra told BelaPAN.

Mr. Kontra described his appointment as a “big challenge,” as he will have to organize the operation of the new diplomatic mission, work toward the development of relations between Hungary and Belarus in all areas, and start issuing visas to Belarusian citizens and providing consular services to Hungarians.

It is important for Belarus to get to know Hungary better and thereby to get closer to the European Union with its values, ideals, and opportunities, Mr. Kontra said. “We have very serious plans and intentions,” he noted.

Mr. Kontra’s career has included service as ambassador to Ukraine and to Russia, and service in diplomatic positions in Namibia and Iran.

Belarus and Hungary established diplomatic relations on February 12, 1992. Belarus opened its embassy in Budapest in January 2000.