Ambassador April H. Foley

Remarks to the Harvard Club on U.S. Foreign Policy and Hungary 

January 31, 2007

 

Ambassador Foley with Harvard Club Chairman Stephen Benko

Thank you Steve for the kind introduction.  I am delighted to be here.  It is a great honor to be invited to speak to such a distinguished group of people.

I am particularly thrilled to be speaking to fellow Harvard alums.  My experience at Harvard Business School profoundly shaped my life,  both professionally and  personally.  Harvard helped bring me to this chapter of my life too; so being with this group tonight brings me full circle. 

In my presentation this evening, I want to focus on U.S. Hungary relations in the broader global context. 
• I’ll start by laying out the Bush Administration's priorities, as reflected in the President's State of the Union address.  I want to focus particularly on our partnership with Europe. 
• Then I’ll describe the four themes that comprise my priorities and guide my mission here.  

As US Ambassador to Hungary, my overall objective is to invigorate the U.S.-Hungary partnership in new and creative ways that benefit both our countries.  At the same time, I am committed to remaining non-partisan in Hungarian politics.

Last week President Bush delivered his State of the Union address to Congress and the American people.  Of course, he was also speaking to a global audience.  He focused on five major themes:
• the global war on terror,
• energy,
• immigration,
• education
• and health care.

The war in Iraq, the global war on terror, and peace in the Middle East are at the top of President Bush's agenda.  

I was in Washington earlier this month, and I met with a number of senior officials. I met with White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten, National Security Advisor Steven Hadley, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff.  I also met with President Bush in the Oval Office.

President Bush recognizes that much is at stake in Iraq and not just for the people of Iraq.  For the United States and for other peace-loving countries around the world, stability in Iraq and in the broader Middle East is critical.  We must fight the scourge of terrorism. And we must neutralize those who seek to destabilize the region for their own interests.  Only in a more stable security environment can democratic efforts begin to take root. 

President Bush is optimistic -- that is the exact word that he used repeatedly in our meeting.  After consulting with his commanders and advisors, with the government of Iraq, with members of the Iraq Study Group, with Capitol Hill, and with his international allies, he is optimistic and confident that his revised strategy is the right way forward in Iraq. 

The so-called surge of 21,500 U.S. troops has received a lot of attention from the media.  Iraq itself has committed an additional 12,000 troops of its own.  It is clear that Iraq needs a sufficient number of troops, with the right skills, with the right mission, free of the restrictions that previously limited their operations, to quell the insurgencies.   

The NATO Training Mission in Iraq is helping the Iraqis stand up their forces.   Through these efforts, Iraq will ultimately assume the lead for their own security.  Hungary has 18 officers in the NATO Training Mission and will soon increase that number.

But security measures are only one part of the plan.  Just as important are the political, economic and regional provisions. 

• The key word politically is reconciliation. Political efforts will focus on identifying and involving moderate voices, and, importantly, working to form coalitions of moderate voices. 
• Economic opportunities are also key. Through work programs, business loans, improved infrastructure, and equal access to state revenues, more jobs will be created.  When people have jobs, they have a reason to work for a stable society.  We will almost double the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams (or PRTs) which are making real progress at the local level. 
• Finally, we will be looking for bigger commitments from Iraq's neighbors in the region.  They will be encouraged to take a more prominent role in helping stabilize Iraq. 

But perhaps the most striking change in the new plan is that the Iraqis will now assume responsibility for the future of their young democracy.  As the people of Hungary know well from their own experience, ultimately, it is the citizens and their own elected representatives who must build the institutions and traditions of democracy. 

Yet we -- the United States, Hungary and our partners -- can help them.  As President Bush said in June last year -- just across the river from the spectacular vista of Gellert Hill -- "We will continue to help Iraq take its rightful place alongside America and Hungary as beacons of liberty in our world."  Hungary's experience is a model that inspires hope in countries that are seeking to make a peaceful and successful transition to democracy.

Another area where we have seen both challenges and progress is Afghanistan.  Afghanistan is NATO's number one priority mission.  ISAF forces are facing serious security challenges from Taliban insurgents in parts of the country, but at the same time, significant reconstruction is taking place.  Hungary assumed responsibility for a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Baghlan province last October.  Hungary’s PRT is playing a major role there.  The United States very much appreciates Hungary's leadership of the PRT and its donations of excess military equipment to the Afghan forces. 

In the broader Middle East, Secretary Rice is committed to supporting stabilization and stopping terrorism.  The stakes are really high not only in Iraq, but with respect to Israel and Palestine, and in Lebanon.  In February, the U.S., the European Union, the United Nations and Russia will meet in Washington to discuss how to help Israel and Palestine move forward on the Road Map for peace, and toward the establishment of a Palestinian state. 

We and much of the international community, as demonstrated in last week's donors’ conference,  remain committed to a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Lebanon.  The new assistance pledged last week will support the Lebanese government's own ambitious reform program.

Iran is another critical state.  Iran is actively trying to destabilize peace efforts in the Middle East.  It is pursuing a nuclear program in clear violation of international laws.  The European Union took an early diplomatic lead in response to these actions.  Now we are working together at the UN, where the Security Council has imposed Chapter 7 sanctions on Iran.  International solidarity sends a clear message to Iran that their actions are unacceptable.

This year will also be critical for resolving Kosovo's final status.  The UN is putting forward a plan.  Implementation will bring some tough challenges, but it will also lead to our goal of the entire region's integration into the Euro-Atlantic structure.  The international community, and Europe in particular, must continue to support the UN process for Kosovo.  Hungary, given its regional knowledge and commitment to regional stability, may play a particularly key role.

Here in Europe, our key focus is working on the parts of the world I just mentioned, and on global issues, such as fighting hunger, poverty and disease. 

Energy and the environment are also high on the agenda, for the United States and also for Europe.  The proposals put forward by President Bush in his State of the Union demonstrate America's commitment to cutting green house gas emissions.  A cut in gasoline use of 20 percent in 10 years will be a major step forward.  We will continue to pursue and promote energy diversification, cleaner sources of energy, conservation, and sustainability, both in the US, and with Hungary and Europe as well. 

These are some of the issues that form the broader geopolitical context of U.S.-Hungary relations. 

When you think about it, it is striking how much has changed between the U.S. and Europe. 

We no longer really look at Europe as the object of our foreign policy.  We look to Europe -- both European capitals and European institutions -- as a partner in the world.  We are partners in common efforts to solve problems, advance freedom, and provide for greater security. 

Our relationship with Hungary fits very much into that context. 

A decade ago, we were providing transition assistance to Hungary.  Now we work with Hungary to provide development and humanitarian assistance in the Balkans, in the Middle East and in Afghanistan.

A decade ago, we provided guidance to support Hungary's development of democratic institutions.  Now we cooperate with Hungary through the International Law Enforcement Academy to help establish the rule of law in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 

A decade ago, we worked with Hungary to prepare it for membership in NATO.  Now American and Hungarian soldiers are working side-by-side in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan under the NATO flag.  We work with Hungary to help countries in Southeastern Europe join the Partnership for Peace program and prepare for their own membership in NATO. 

So we have a truly global partnership.  But of course we also have a bilateral relationship, which I believe is the source of considerable pride on both our parts. 

Without question, 2006 was a tremendous year for U.S.-Hungary relations. 

To commemorate 1956 and its legacy of freedom, Secretary Rice held a ceremony at the Department of State.  The US Congress, with President Bush in attendance, recognized Hungary's contributions to democracy with a solemn ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Building on March 15. 
Even more markedly, there were commemorations of the ’56 revolution in cities across the United States.  Not just Hungarian-Americans, but all Americans were reminded of the bravery of the freedom fighters and the common love of freedom and liberty that unites our two great nations.

A key 2006 moment was the spectacular visit of President Bush to Hungary in June.  His remarks on the lessons and inspiration we have taken from the courage of Hungary's freedom fighters testify to our great respect for Hungary and its people.  He declared October 23, 1956, a day of recognition in the United States and encouraged all American citizens to observe this day with appropriate commemorations and events. 

My goal is to continue this proud record. 
Looking ahead, I have four specific objectives in Hungary:
 
My first goal is to support freedom and democracy.  I will work shoulder-to-shoulder with Hungarians to identify opportunities where we can make a difference in the world.  I mentioned the importance of Hungary's PRT to the international community's efforts in Afghanistan.  We have worked closely with the Government of Hungary to support them in this vital undertaking. 
• A representative of the U.S. Agency for International Development has joined Hungary's PRT in the Baghlan Province of Afghanistan to assist with development projects. 
• Last week, three American experts on PRTs came to Budapest and shared their on-the-ground experience with civilian and military personnel.  We are doing our best to ensure that Hungary's PRT is a robust one.  

My second goal is to support the fight against terrorism.  Part of fighting terrorism is breaking up criminal networks, which engage in trans-border crimes such as money laundering, weapons proliferation, and trafficking in drugs and people.  To combat these criminal networks, the U.S., the EU and the international community have adopted a series of initiatives.  Whether it is identifying criminals or cutting off their assets to prevent them from taking action, Hungary and the United Sates are ensuring that their national systems work together toward the same goal. 

My third goal is to further build the extensive commercial ties between the U.S. and Hungary.
This includes assisting U.S. companies interested in coming to Hungary or expanding their current investments here, by facilitating contacts with Hungarian officials and institutions. 
• Last week, I visited IBM Data Storage, GE Energy and Caterpillar, and I met with Senior representatives of Microsoft.  All of these fine US companies are looking to expand their operations in Hungary. 
• In February, I will go to London to promote Hungary to U.S. companies, many of whom are looking for European places of business that offer the right combination of an attractive and livable city, good infrastructure, strong human capital, and affordable costs.   Hungary remains a very attractive destination for foreign direct investment within the EU.  We will also promote opportunities for green field investments or establishing regional service or call centers, for which Hungary has also been highly competitive.

A second aspect of building commercial ties is working with the Hungarian government to improve the climate for business. 
• We listen to business concerns and work with key leaders on areas such as transparency, energy security the protection of intellectual property rights. 
• Earlier this month, we hosted a roundtable that brought industry leaders and government officials together to discuss IPR issues.  Hungary sees a future in innovation and technology, for which a strong IPR regime is essential.
My fourth goal is to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our 2 countries.  This includes promoting
• cultural exchanges,
• student exchanges,
• business and tourism ties,
• and highlighting the many forms of non-government-related cooperation. 

I have been surprised since I got here by the volume of cultural exchange that already exists. 
• The Hungarian Symphony Orchestra left last week for a month-long multi-city tour of the United States. 
• Last week, we welcomed the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra to Budapest.
• And yesterday the Princeton Symphony Orchestra performed at the Liszt Academy. 
• We are looking forward to having the New York Philharmonic in May. 

People-to-people exchanges are perhaps the best way to build friendships and mutual understanding.  We want to see more Hungarians visiting the United States, and more Americans visiting Hungary.  And that means a visa policy that supports our goal.

When President Bush visited in June, he heard loudly and clearly from the Hungarian people about their desire to travel more freely to the United States.  And he committed to working with the Congress on modifications to the Visa Waiver Program.  The Congressional timetable is anything but predictable.  Still, several Senators and Congressman have already introduced draft legislation on this issue.  I am hopeful that we will see some progress this year. 

Hungary is among the forefront of the thirteen Visa Waiver Road Map countries, and has made great strides towards program eligibility. 
• More than 85% of Hungarians who apply for a visa receive one.
• And more than 90% of student and exchange visa applications are approved.
• We are seeing a year-over-year rise in the number of visa applications from Hungarians, which we are delighted about.

 We have also expanded opportunities for Hungarians outside of Budapest to learn more about America.  In October, we opened a new American Corner in Debrecen.  This center, along with our Corners in Veszprem and Pecs, welcome thousands of visitors every year.  The centers help Hungarians
• discover new social and cultural trends in the United States,
• and get information about travel and educational opportunities.
I am personally dedicated to traveling outside of Budapest to promote more cooperation between the American people and Hungarians all over Hungary. 

Those are my four principal goals: 
• promoting freedom and democracy,
• supporting the fight against terrorism,
• building commercial ties,
• and strengthening the bonds of friendship between us.

I have one additional personal goal.  I am passionate about women's empowerment.  Working with Hungarian women leaders and other lady ambassadors, I have met with students in Budapest and Veszprem.  I will meet with another group in Debrecen two weeks from now and in other cities in the coming months. I have been amazed at the response to our early efforts.  Helping women succeed in government, business, and society has struck a very positive chord in Hungary.  I will continue to work with others to help the women of Hungary advance opportunities for themselves and their families. 

So that is how I see the U.S.-Hungary relationship in this changing world. 

Our relationship is outward-focused and committed to pursuing common interests, contributing to international peace and stability and encouraging democratic efforts. 

Our relationship is stronger than ever,
• having an unshakable partnership through organizations such as the UN and NATO,
• through strong business ties including two-way trade of almost $4 billion and steady growth in U.S. investments here,
• and through a web of civic, academic and cultural programs. 

Finally, I see the connections between us expanding as we find creative ways to partner in the world and maximize our resources -- whether in supporting democratic transitions, in developing renewable energy resources, or advancing scientific achievement.

I see our bonds of friendship broadening
• through a more dynamic dialogue between Hungarian and American citizens through travel,
• through sharing our experiences,
• and, most importantly, through citizen ambassadors, such as many of you here today, who value and support this remarkable partnership.      

Thank you very much.