President László Sólyom awarded Robert Edward Hage, Canada’s outgoing Ambassador, with the Commander’s Cross Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary on July 11, 2007
The President of Hungary on the proposal of the Prime Minister conferred the Commander’s Cross Order of Merit on Robert Edward Hage, Canada’s Ambassador to Hungary, in recognition of his work to develop Hungarian-Canadian relations.
President László Sólyom’s laudation on the occasion of the ceremony awarding Robert Edward Hage, Canada’s outgoing Ambassador
I would like to greet Ambassador Robert Hage at the end of his diplomatic mission in Budapest. Through his activity, he significantly contributed to expanding the traditionally excellent Hungarian-Canadian cooperation, covering many areas of life.
These three years passed eventfully in our relations, including high-level visits at the head of state and prime minister level and frequent contacts by ministers. Perhaps the most important was that on the commemoration of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, several outstanding events were attached to Canada. This is quite natural since Canada was one of the countries which received the highest proportion of refugees following the crush of our Revolution, and provided new home to these people. That is why I regarded it important to personally visit Canada and express Hungary’s thankfulness to Canada’s leadership of today and at the time for all they have done. In preparation for my state visit, and during the visit itself, I could always count on your Excellency’s valuable cooperation.
Thanks to your active work, a series of outstanding events, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Revolution, were held in 2006, offering rich and substantial programs in Budapest and in other cities in Hungary. I personally attended the opening of the New Lives exhibit in Budapest, which richly documented how our Hungarian compatriots integrated into Canada’s life and became valued citizens of their new country.
It is also to your credit that by Fall 2007 the Hungarian-Canadian youth mobility exchange agreement may be ready for signature. This agreement would ensure an easier procedure for young people aged between 18 and 35 to obtain employment and internships in our respective countries.
Other than the ambassador’s position perhaps there is no other place in the public service where the spouse’s support becomes so important. I duly remember Mrs Jean Hage’s selfless activity which she carried out in part as the honorary chair of the Budapest Diplomatic Spouses mission. The successful concert at the Music Academy, which I attended with my wife, was memorable.
Mr. Ambassador,
In recognition of your active and efficient work, it is my pleasure to award you with the Commander’s Cross Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary.
Reply to the President’s Speech
I met a Canadian recently who had spent four years in Budapest and told me Hungary is a country you never forget. I have learned a lot since my family and I arrived here three years ago and I thought a list of what I will remember would be in order.
I did not know that Canada accepted the highest proportion of Hungarian refugees after the 1956 Revolution. These 40,000 new Canadians have been the foundation of our relationship. They have contributed to Canadian society and many have returned to invest, teach, perform or write in Hungary.
Being Hungarian is in your genes. I have met any number of people who were born to Hungarian parents outside of Hungary and yet have returned to live and work here. No wonder you have survived as a unique nation for more than 1,000 years.
Hungarians are generous. For example, you can stand on the lawn of the Parliament buildings in Toronto and see three buildings, two medical and one educational, donated by Hungarian-Canadians.
Hungarians have great energy. I learned you can follow the President of Hungary across the continent of Canada with engagements in three cities and the only one who is not tired is the President of Hungary.
I now know there are few sights in the world more stirring than crossing the Danube and seeing the Parliament, the Chain Bridge and the Castle illuminated against the night sky.
Finally, I will never forget the honour you have given me today.