“Our ever-growing economic ties; long-standing cooperation in areas, such as the fight against terrorism; our similar visions on economic and security policies, on the responsibility for the safety of our own citizens, and on border control and migration, give us a historic opportunity to shape the future together,” he said.

Orbán said he was looking forward to further enhancing the “long-standing, strong and cordial ties” between Hungary and the United States. He expressed confidence that through continued partnership the two countries would be able to tackle the challenges and explore the opportunities.

The prime minister finally expressed his best wishes to the new US president. The ruling Fidesz party said in statement that the inauguration of Donald Trump as US president “heralds a new era, in which the dictatorship of political correctness is replaced by straightforward speech, and decisions are based on a sober mind rather than ideologies”.

The United States is Hungary’s ally, with close and important cooperation in economic and security matters, Fidesz said.

Further, the two countries are connected by shared values, such as freedom, human dignity and respect for courage, it said. Fidesz wished the 45th US president much success and good health for the forthcoming four years.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Szigetváry Zsolt