By Hakeem Babalola
Africa has been
described as where the future lies. The assertion was made at the celebration
of the 53rd Africa Day in Hungary held at the Intercontinental Hotel on Thursday May 26 in downtown Budapest.
Speaking to a
gathering of Africans, Asians, Americans and Hungarians, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
and Trade, Dr. László Szabo, said that it is a thing of joy to know that the
world has come to the reality that the future lies in Africa.
“I am happy that
the world recognises the growth engine of the earth will be coming from Africa,”
he said, adding that Africa is where the future lies."
Giving the assurance
on being in the right path, the minister encouraged his country’s business men
and women to look towards Africa for a fantastic opportunity the continent
provides. On this he emphasised the need for the opening to be filled with
content, partnership and friendship with cultural and economic change.
Although he
admitted that the current situation in terms of Hungarian export to Africa is
nothing to write about, Szabo is optimistic that things would change in the next
5 to 10 years.
“Right now
Hungary export to Africa is very small. About 1.2% of our total export is to
Africa. This will change significantly in 5 to 10 years,” he stated.
He explained
that Hungary has invested in terms of scholarship for African students most of
who speak Hungarian and still have memory of Hungary even though they are now
in their respective countries.
In her own
speech, the Dean of African Diplomatic Corps in Hungary, H:E Lizeth Satumbo
Pena, stated that the presence of the minister “sits well into the scope of
global opening to serve policy of the Hungarian government programme as well as
solidarity with African causes.
Pena, who is the
Angolan ambassador to Hungary, explained the importance of the Africa Day. She
said: “the event presents us the excellent opportunity to draw inspiration from
the values and principles of our commitment to organisation (AU) and to pay
tribute to the fathers of independence and the leaders of our respective
countries fighting for the rights of our magnificent continent."
She told the
gathering that in spite of certain scepticism from different places, Africa undoubtedly
progresses year by year.
Her sentiment
was echoed by the representative of AHU (African Hungarian Union), Mr. Sándor
Balogh who patted himself on the back for seen good things about Africa which many
people did not see some ten years back.
“Ten years ago
we said Africa was important but people did not listen. Now everybody opens
towards this continent. So Africa is on the winning cause – at last.
Meanwhile there are some opinions about organising the yearly Africa Day. A Brazilian who is accustomed to African culture said that she did not feel the energy enough. Talking to Africa News Hungary, she complained that the cultural display was not African enough. "The drum, the music and even the fashion show is not to the standard one expects of Africa."
A Ghanaian also expressed her dismay at the low standard of organising, saying that Africa Day must be an avenue to market the continent in every possible way with a well-structured theme. "Workshop and conferences," she observed, should be included in the future to facilitate a standard performance.
Meanwhile there are some opinions about organising the yearly Africa Day. A Brazilian who is accustomed to African culture said that she did not feel the energy enough. Talking to Africa News Hungary, she complained that the cultural display was not African enough. "The drum, the music and even the fashion show is not to the standard one expects of Africa."
A Ghanaian also expressed her dismay at the low standard of organising, saying that Africa Day must be an avenue to market the continent in every possible way with a well-structured theme. "Workshop and conferences," she observed, should be included in the future to facilitate a standard performance.
Speech by Dean of African Diplomatic Corps in Hungary, H.E Ms Lizeth SatumboPena & DM, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, & AHU representative, Mr. Sándor Balogh
Cultural & Fashion show
Some faces at the event
 |
| Yours truly |
 |
for inquiry, contact us: editorafricannews@yahoo.com
+36 20 381 9155
No comments:
Post a Comment