British ambassador sees Debrecen as an attractive destination
“I hope that Debrecen residents who study and work with us will have a very good experience,” said Paul Fox, who interviewed Deheer.
The UK Ambassador to Hungary, Paul Fox, visited our city. The diplomat met with László Papp, mayor of Debrecen, and after their discussion gave an interview to Dehir. (Although he speaks mainly English, he sometimes speaks Hungarian.)
Paul Fox (Photos: Zappulex Kandert)
Zaheer: The UK has been leaving the EU for a year. What does the experience look like?
Paul Fox: The past year or so has been about putting the UK trade agreement into practice. In December 2020, we concluded this agreement almost at the last moment, which, however, served as a very solid foundation for the past period, when new relationships had to be built. It is very important that we leave only the European Union and not Europe. We are still here in Europe and we have very close relations with the Union. This year has also highlighted the importance of an ongoing dialogue with European partners and the need for further refinement – even thinking about the Northern Ireland Protocol, which remains on the agenda.
Another major issue, in addition to trade agreements, is the mutual recognition of the rights of each other’s citizens.
British nationals are no longer EU citizens, about 3,000 Hungarians live in Hungary, and about 140,000 to 150,000 registered Hungarians live in the United Kingdom. Adequate recognition and observance of their rights can be considered a success story.
Deher: There are also people from Debrecen studying and working in the UK. What is your advice to them?
Paul Fox: There was an open period for registration in the past, and if someone had not registered by then, they could now regularize their status through a different official procedure. In addition, I hope that the people of Debrecen who study and work with us will have a very good experience. When they come home, I hope there will be some kind of British ambassador who has tested the archipelago’s values. And if they stay there, I am sure they will thrive.
Back: How attractive is the UK to a Hungarian city with an international airport, a huge university and tourist attractions?
Paul Fox: There are currently several aircraft for that matter. For example, 87 British students study at the University of Debrecen, and the city is an attractive destination in that sense. If we take a closer look at tourism issues, I think it is important to draw attention to Debrecen in the UK as a potential destination. I am also visiting Debrecen for a company with interests in the UK – I would like to meet more. One of my goals is to explore opportunities and help build economic relationships.
Linebacker: How do you think it is possible for British companies to appear in Debrecen as investors?
Paul Fox (in Hungarian): we will see…
Linebacker: Do you have any experience with our city? For example, have you ever tasted a pair of sausages in Debrecen?
Paul Fox: I heard about the couple from Debrecen and was told it was very pungent. I don’t know if this is true, but since I’ve worked in diplomacy in Thailand and India before, I might not be surprised by this. Anyway, I am very much looking forward to meeting the couple from Debrecen.
