„Recent international co-operation allots challenges of ever growing significance to the civil participants of diplomacy. I was glad to accept your invitation and I will continue supporting the work of the Consular Corps also in the future” – Katalin Szili emphasized. The Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament stressed in her speech that the institution of the honorary consuls has already been integrated into the political and economic decision makers’ minds.

In addition to fulfilling their traditional duties of a consul and representing the interests of the sending state, the generous activities of the consuls also benefit the external relations of the receiving state, i.e. the Hungarian Republic. Katalin Szili has been aware of the facts that brought about constant tension between certain units of the Hungarian administration of foreign affairs and the foreign representations managed by the honorary consuls. After having listened to the hosts’ personal remarks and views, the Speaker of the Parliament as „honorary” member of the Corps made a promise to promote dialogue between the body and the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Hungary.

„State motions aiming at recognition are important as is the creation of a forum for on-going consultation on legal and technical issues” – Katalin Szili added. András Batizi, consul-general to Jamaica gave thanks to Katalin Szili for her acceptance of the invitation and, in his response, he pointed out that each consul seeks to continue working successfully and efficiently in the future.