US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his government’s greetings to Hungary marking the August 20 national holiday.

“On the occasion of Saint Stephen’s Day, I would like to extend my best wishes to the government and people of Hungary on behalf of the government of the United States,” Pompeo said in a statement on Monday, the eve of the holiday.

In his statement, Pompeo highlighted the “long history of partnership and collaboration” between the two nations and added that they were also connected by “security, economic, and people-to-people ties that continue to grow”.

Pompeo made reference to his February visit to Budapest, and said that “I had the opportunity to see the beauty of your capital, enjoy the hospitality of your people, and appreciate the rich history of your nation”.

“Our governments are working together at the highest levels and we continue to deepen our cooperation to the benefit of the transatlantic alliance,” he added.

MTI Photo: Szecsődi Balázs