I am pleased to announce that the President of Hungary, His Excellency
Arpad Goncz, will visit Australia from 15 February to 21 February.
The President will travel to Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
This is the first visit to Australia by a Hungarian head of state
and the visit provides an excellent opportunity to expand the relationship
between our two countries.
Hungary was a significant source of post-war migration to Australia
and today our Hungarian community numbers around 70,000 people. In
addition to drawing attention to the Hungarian contribution to Australia,
this visit will give a timely boost to our commercial links.
As a country with a growing economy and prospects for membership of
the European Union, Hungary is a valuable partner for Australia in
eastern Europe. Similarly Australia's place in the Asia-Pacific
region offers opportunities to Hungary.
I look forward to welcoming the President to Australia.