Ambassador Szapáry joined local businessmen to discuss trade possibilities with Hungary, to find out about new investment options, and to further strengthen the already-existing relations between his country and the Seattle area's companies. The meeting was organized by the Hungarian Honorary Consul General of Seattle, Helen M Szablya.

 
The local Hungarian-American community also welcomed the ambassador at a reception organized by the Hungarian American Association of Washington. The guests included Ms. Helen Szablya, and also John Gocken, Honorary Consul General of Turkey. Ms. Zsuzsa Stanfield, president of HAAW, presented its board members to the ambassador and asked him to address the community. 

György Szapáry explained that the best part of his job is meeting fellow Hungarian-Americans, since he had been part of this community for decades and his children grew up and still live in the USA. He also noted that the present Hungarian government, intends to focus more on Hungarians living abroad. Then he described the history and the current situation of the museum of the victims of communism, which is expected to open in Washington DC. Last but not least, he reported on the preparations by the Hungarian Embassy in Washingto, D.C.,  for the successful management of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, at which Hungary is the featured country this year.

 

The community later had the opportunity to speak with the Ambassador in a less formal way.