Apostolic nuncio Bottari de Castello receives state award

Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén presented outgoing Apostolic Nuncio Alberto Bottari de Castello Hungary’s Order of Merit, Middle Cross with the Star, in Parliament on Monday.

The nuncio, who has served in Hungary since 2011, received the honour awarded by the Hungarian president in recognition of his diplomatic achievements, the press chief of the prime minister’s office told MTI.

Presenting the award, Semjén thanked the papal ambassador for his achievements in strengthening diplomatic ties between Hungary and the Holy See, Bertalan Havasi said.

He highlighted Bottari de Castello’s “milestone” efforts towards amending the bilateral agreement between Hungary and the Vatican in 2013.

Bottari de Castello praised Hungary for its efforts taken to protect persecuted Christians and highlighted Hungary’s firm stance in promoting Christian values, said Havasi.

Source: MTI