Remarks by Ambassador Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis at the Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Radiation Detection Equipment to the Hungarian Authorities

Minister Pintér, thank you once again for hosting me in your beautiful offices, this time for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the donation of radiation detection equipment to the Hungarian authorities. As you know, my tenure as Ambassador to Hungary is slowly coming to an end – and it is especially fitting that we are signing this MOU on the sidelines of my farewell visit to you.

Cooperation between the United States and Hungary in the realm of law enforcement has been, and will remain, one of the cornerstones of the relationship between our two countries.

From the jointly organized and operated International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest to various other programs bringing together our respective law enforcement agencies, Hungarian-American security cooperation is a true success story, and it’s indeed a model for others to follow. The United States has supported Hungary’s law enforcement efforts through equipment donations, training opportunities and by sharing our best practices and know-how. That we are able to work together on such a broad range of issues is a real testament to the strength of our relationship and to the mutual trust and confidence we place in each other.

The equipment we are donating through the signing of this agreement is provided by the United States Department of Energy in cooperation with the FBI, and will be used by TEK, Hungary’s Counter-Terrorism Center. It consists of a radiation detection van and other devices, many of which are already familiar to Hungarian authorities as a result of previous donations by the FBI. Through the use of this equipment, TEK will be better able to protect Hungary from illicit radioactive material – and, by doing so, Hungary will be better able to contribute to the security of the entire region.

The United States greatly appreciates the role Hungary is playing in international law enforcement efforts, and we appreciate its willingness to work with us. I know the equipment you will be receiving will contribute to the security of the international community as well. Thank you, Minister Pintér, for working with us as a friend and an ally on these efforts.

Thank you.

Source: U.S. Embassy Budapest

Photo: Ambassador Kounalakis and Minister of Interior Pintér sign the Memorandum. (Embassy photo by Attila Németh)

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