Bell receives the award today. (Photo: MTI/Noémi Bruzák)

The Hungarian foreign minister acknowledged the ambassador’s work by saying that Bell “arrived in Budapest in a period, two years ago, which was not the best era of bilateral political cooperation, but the situation has changed to a great extent today”, according to the news agency. Szijjártó added that the ambassador is a “good friend” of Hungary, and noted that mutual respect and continuous dialog can lead to successes.

Accepting the award, Bell said that the transatlantic community is facing many challenges, and stressed the gravity of the alliance, joint work and standing by values of importance. She thanked the minister and his ministry for their cooperation, as well as expressing appreciation for the staff at her embassy.

On January 12, Bell announced she would be leaving her post, and posted a farewell video today.