“It is definitely a significant occasion for all of us to see the realization of the common efforts of the Hungarian Government and the World Health Organization for establishing a WHO centre in Budapest and further enhancing the efficiency of the organization’s work” said Dr. István Mikola, Minister of State for Security Policy and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary today at the official opening ceremony of the World Health Organization Budapest Centre.

He underlined that the opening of the Centre marks the result of a fruitful negotiation process between the Hungarian Government and the World Health Organization and envisages a new stage of the already close cooperation between the two parties.

The World Health Organization is operating as one of the key specialized agencies of the United Nations system, with the aim of improving the quality of health at a global level and ensuring the highest attainable standard of health for every human being. Hungary has always been committed to facilitating the achievement of these goals. The establishment of the WHO Budapest Centre will expectedly contribute to further enhancing the work of the organization.

The Hungarian Government will remain fully devoted to consolidating the country as a competitive international service hub in Central Europe, attracting and assisting not only multinational companies but also international and regional organizations. The large number of Budapest-based international entities, including UN specialized agencies, and the growing interest in our capital provide a positive affirmation of these efforts.