Hanoi (VNA) – Botz László, Chairman, and Váraljai Márton, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Association (HVFA) have been awarded the Friendship Order of the Vietnamese State in recognition of their contributions to fostering the friendship between the two nations.
A hand-over ceremony was held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary on March 27 with the participation of representatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and Association of Vietnamese people in the European country, their relatives and friends.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Bui Le Thai highlighted that for over half a century, Botz László and Váraljai Márton have tirelessly dedicated themselves to strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Hungary.
László was a member of the Hungarian delegation to the International Commission for Control and Supervision (ICCS) for the implementation of the Paris Peace Agreement in 1973. Meanwhile, Márton, a seasoned diplomat, spent decades working at the Hungarian Embassy in Vietnam, serving as Consul and Deputy Ambassador.
Their dedication has not been limited to past achievements. Even today, in their seventies, they continue to work diligently to nurture the friendship between the two nations. As the HVFA’s leaders, they have organised numerous cultural exchange events, facilitated connections between businesses, scholars, and localities of both countries, and supported the Vietnamese community in Hungary, thus further deepening mutual understanding and respect between the peoples of Vietnam and Hungary.
Thai emphasised that they are not only loyal friends of Vietnam but also serve as solid bridges connecting the two nations. Their contributions have helped enhance Vietnam's image in Hungary and reinforced the foundation of sustainable cooperation between the two countries. He affirmed that the Friendship Order is not only the Vietnamese government's recognition of their tireless efforts but also a symbol of deep gratitude from millions of Vietnamese hearts toward their devoted and steadfast Hungarian friends, of whom the two honourees are exemplary representatives.
In response, László and Márton expressed their honour to receive this prestigious award and affirmed their continued commitment to advancing the Hungary-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership, particularly in people-to-people exchange and locality-to-locality cooperation./.
