FOREWORD FROM H.E. THE AMBASSADOR OF HUNGARY

Dear Business Partners in Syria, Jordan and the Arab World,

Yes, First of May is indeed a historical date for Hungary and the other nine new member countries in the European Union. The biggest ever enlargement – which created a European Union of 25 – finally heals the rift opened up by the East-West confrontation and the Cold war. The festive events all over Europe, we have witnessed in the last two days, underline the joy and happiness of the 10 nations. First of May however does not mean for the Central and Eastern European countries a “simple” joining the European Union, uniting our countries with other EU-members. Hungary and her Central and Eastern European partners fully re-occupy now their place in the European political and economic system. “Newcomers” with a thousand or thousands years of European history, who – apart from the last nearly 50 years – actively and decisively participated in shaping the fate and destiny of Europe, are not at all representing a new Europe.

We should say that because of its hugh size, the enlargement of 2004 raised extra questions for people on both sides, about the impact on their lives and jobs. Not surprisingly, worries on one side sometimes mirrored those on the other. That is why we say that the joy is over, the daily work is to be implemented.

On May 1st we celebrated the accession of the 10 countries in Syria. The new EU members have a longstanding relationship with the Arab countries which is characterised by friendship. For example, Hungary is celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing the diplomatic relations with Syria in two weeks from now, as well as the 40th anniversary with Jordan in next June. We would like to preserve all the good and positive elements from the history of our cooperation. The good traditions of bilateral relations together with the values of the European Union mean a continuously important ground for increasing the cooperation between the Arab countries and the new EU-member states. It is in our interest that the mediterranean cooperation and the Barcelona process would be intensified. It is in our interest that Syria should become an institutional partner of the EU by signing the association agreement. We are confident that such a step would really contribute in reaching those aims of modernization which we hear from the highest political source. The change of our system until 1st of May, the accession to the EU show that a long road by no doubt with sacrificies gives a respected result.

As Hungary joined the European Union, all economic and trade regulations (including customs tariffs) are implemented in the same way as in all the former EU-member countries. So, Dear Business Partners, be aware of the changes and do your best to develop your business links with the European Union member Hungary.