“The New York terrorist attack clearly shows that the threat of terrorism is a global phenomenon”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade declared on Hungarian M1 television’s Wednesday morning current affairs program. Péter Szijjártó confirmed that there is still no information concerning possible Hungarian victims.

On Tuesday, a 29-year-old man drove a small truck into a pedestrian and bicycle path in Lower Manhattan in New York City, killing and injuring several people before crashing into a school bus. Eight people were killed and eleven were injured in the attack. The dead include and Argentinian and a Belgian citizen.

Mr. Péter Szijjártó confirmed that there is still no information concerning possible Hungarian victims. “Thirty-four people have registered for consular protection, but many more Hungarians are thought to be currently in the city. We have contacted those who have registered and they are all fine”, he explained.

The Minister said that the New York terrorist attack clearly shows that the threat of terrorism is a global phenomenon, highlighting that the primary target of all political leaders must be to guarantee the security of their people and countries.

Mr. Szijjártó pointed out that Hungary is also one of the allies of the United States in the fight against terrorism and joined the global coalition against the Islamic State terrorist organisation two years ago.

“Its allies can continue to count on Hungary in the global fight against terrorism”, he said.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister stressed that it is the responsibility of all political leaders to protect people and guarantee the security of their own countries. “Security must be put in first place and illegal immigration must be stopped”, he emphasised.

Mr. Szijjártó also expressed the Hungarian Government’s condolences to the families of the victims of the tragedy.

(MTI)