Hungarian Canadians a bridge between Hungary, Canada, says Kover

Budapest, October 13 (MTI) – The 315,000 Canadian citizens who indicated Hungarian roots at the latest census serve as a bridge between Canada and Hungary, the speaker of Hungary’s parliament said on Monday.

Laszlo Kover held talks with Noel A. Kinsella, the speaker of the Canadian Senate who is on an official visit to Hungary.

Among those Canadians of Hungarian origin, 88,000 said Hungarian to be their mother tongue, Kover told reporters at a joint press conference held with his guest.

He said Hungary is grateful to Canada for its giving safe haven to Hungarian refugees after the 1956 anti-Soviet uprising.

Hungary and Canada are friends and allies within NATO, Kover said, adding that the two countries could potentially strengthen cooperation in further areas.

Speaking in terms of economic ties, Kover noted an over 30 percent increase in Hungary’s exports to Canada last year and expressed hope that cooperation would be broadened.

The Canadian Senate Speaker said Canada is grateful to the country’s citizens of Hungarian origin who have significantly contributed to Canada’s development.

He said the two countries’ ties could be further built through parliamentary cooperation.

Photo: MTI – Noemi Bruzak

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters