Her Excellency Mrs. Yudit Lang was born in Lutsenets. She is a graduate of the Faculty of Philosophy at the “Eötvös Loránd” University of Sciences, and a graduate of a School of Journalism at the State Union of Hungarian Journalists. She has worked for many years at the Hungarian Ministry of Exterior holding different management positions. She was a Consul and a Deputy Director on mission at the Embassy of Hungary in Bratislava. She has worked in the field of journalist for a few years, as a correspondent at the Hunghttp://cherga.bg/wp-admin/admin.php?page=leafletmapsmarker_markersarian Telegraphic Agency in Budapest and Prague. She knows English language, Czech language, Slovak language, Russian language, and German language.
Dear Mrs. Lang, You’ve been the Ambassador of Hungary in our country for almost half a year. What successes would You point out for this relatively short period of time of Your work here?
Indeed, I’ve been in Bulgaria for little more than 180 days. However, I’m very glad that I already took part and keep taking part in a number of beneficial events. I would mention some of them: As You know, Hungary has been an EU member state for four years, so in many areas, such as the European funds acquisition, it already has some significant experience. It was on my initiative that two groups of Hungarian specialists were sent to Sofia to train and to exchange experience with their Bulgarian colleagues on solving problems connected with the acquisition of EU financial resources. The first group consisted of specialists from the state administration, and worked here during the autumn this year, and the second group arrived a couple of days ago and consisted of specialists in the field of transport. Hungary supports Bulgaria in the preparation for the its joining to the Schengen agreement. In October we established a joint Hungarian-Bulgarian agency in Georgia. The drawing-up has started of the working plan for bilateral cooperation in the field of culture for the period 2009-2012, as a protocol has been signed stipulating that Hungary will be the country – honorary guest of the Plovdiv International Fair in the autumn of 2009.
What are Your impressions of Bulgaria, and of the people here?
Bulgarians are very friendly and cordial people, and I’ve been welcomed everywhere with friendly feelings. The mutual sympathy and friendship between the Hungarian and the Bulgarian peoples are based on the fact that in their historical development throughout the centuries both people have had many common or similar characteristics. Bulgaria is a beautiful country, which has all conditions required to attract visitors from abroad – both tourists and businessmen. It is a fact that I’ve visited only a few cities so far, but I’ll manage to get acquainted with many other interesting regions, and to have many exciting meetings with the people
What are Your obligations in Your capacity as the first Diplomat of Hungary in Bulgaria?
A small part of the diplomat’s work is evident, as most of the work actually remains beyond the attention of the society at large. My task is bilateral relations in all fields. Within the process of the acquisition of Bulgaria to the European Union, there was an activation of the political, economic-commercial and cultural cooperation with Hungary. In view of the above, I’ll do my best for the further dynamic expansion of this cooperation. I do believe that the strengthening of the economic cooperation is of great importance, especially for the purpose of solving the challenges regarding the energy security, as well as in connection with the new opportunities for cooperation in an international aspect. Hungary and Bulgaria are member states of the European Union and NATO, and in their capacity as such both countries are interested in the permanent consolidation of their cooperation in fields of mutual concern. The development of the cultural relations is also of great importance, for music, literature and arts are the bridge, through which people have the chance of getting to know and understand each other, and are the connection that may further bring both peoples together.
Hungary is in the top 10 of the foreign investors in Bulgaria. In Your opinion, what is the direction of the further development of the economic relation between our countries?
Indeed, the volume of the Hungarian investments in Bulgaria is almost one milliard Euro. Besides offering more attractive conditions compared to a number of other countries, Bulgaria is of great interest for us due to the fact that is plays an important role in the region of South-eastern Europe, which includes Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, and Romania, and is a potential 120-million market. We also notice the atmosphere of the good reception, as well as that we do understand the Bulgarian problems from a historical point of view. According to our expectations, the investments will keep growing, despite not in the rates hitherto prevailing, due to the financial and economic crisis threatening all Europe, and due to the fact that the market has restructurized in favour of the smaller enterprises.
Through the mediation of the Hungarian Cultural Institute in Sofia, we also have traditional good cultural cooperation. Are there any more special initiatives planned in this direction as well in the near future?
There is a rich choice of course. In January there will be a concert of the group “Four Bones”, which will be the closing event of the new-year music festival at the National Palace of Culture. We also plan a traditional organ concert of the Hungarian musician Laslo Atila Almashi (who has already performed two times at a Bulgarian stage). The Hungarian Cultural Institute in Sofia will mark the 20th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Hungary with three large-scale events: a performance of the Hungarian National Ballet Studio at the National Opera House, an exhibition representing the entire creative works of Dyula Pauer, and a participation of the “Desh” sextet. All literature lovers will have the opportunity to meet in person the Hungarian writers Ildiko Lovash, Endre Kukoreli, and Dword Dragoman on the occasion of their newly published books in Bulgarian language. The exhibition of Laslo Franchich will present us the life of Hungarians outside Budapest. In addition, the programme stipulates a photo exhibition of Yanosh Eifert, an exhibition-painting of five Hungarian artists, as well as an exhibition-show of jewels of Zhuzha Ferda. We also expect that the folklore dancing group “Tyunet” will take part as well. 
Would You tell us a few words about Your native country, about Your fellow- countrymen. Do You miss Hungary?
Comparing to Bulgaria, Hungary is a lowland in its most part, but has many mineral baths, natural and historical landmarks, many cultural events for all visitors, Lake Balaton, which is also a great place for respite. The capital itself, Budapest welcomes millions of visitors each year. I do hope that in the near future there will be more and more Bulgarians among them. According to international researches made, Hungarians are brave, honest, frank, with a positive attitude, warm-blooded, and hard-working people, with the spirit of innovators. This is probably due to the great sympathy towards us on the part of the Bulgarians, and to our similar features.
Do I miss Hungary? The distance between Budapest and Sofia is only one thousand kilometers. With all modern possibilities of transportation, this is not far. I have to admit that when I visited Dobrich some time ago, my heart started beating on the way to there. I had the feeling I was at home, for the landscape with its slight uplands reminded me a lot about the Hungarian one.
How do You imagine Your work until the end of Your mandate?
I was happy to find out that the mutual desire for connections is great, especially regarding the development of the commercial and economic cooperation. I’d like to have established as many specific projects as possible. In the first half of the year of 2011 Hungary will take over the presidency of the European Union. I’d also like to use this period for increasing our cultural presence, for the presentation on a larger scale of the Hungarian music, literature, arts, movies, etc. It is of great importance to have public contacts as well. The contacts today between the towns-brothers, for example, include more than just the organization of formal meeting, for this gives the opportunity for uniting into common European projects, mutual attending of competitions.
Who are You in Bulgaria with? Would You tell us something about Your family?
I came alone to Sofia. I have a wonderful son who lives in Budapest, and his work keeps him there. I am happy, however, that we will spend the Christmas holidays together.
How will You spend the coming Christmas and New Year holidays?
Just like all other people. According to our traditions, Christmas is celebrated in the midst the family, and New Year is marked in the company of friends, and of course we give each other promises for the new year.
What are Your wishes to the readers of the “Cherga BG“ Magazine?
I wish all kind readers of the “Cherga BG“ Magazine happy Christmas holidays and a Happy New Year.
Maria
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