On 22 May, a bust of former British diplomat George Stepney was unveiled in the park of the Rákóczi Museum in Sárospatak.
The statue, created by sculptor Ferenc Farkas, pays tribute to a prominent figure in European diplomatic and cultural history, who played an important role as a mediator in the negotiations of the delegations of the emperor and the prince in Nagyszombat during the Rákóczi War of Independence.
George Stepney's Hungarian diplomatic activities were highlighted by Prof. Dr. György Kurucz, Head of the Institute of History, Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary, in his 2015 study.
Levente Magyar, State Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in his welcoming speech at the statue unveiling ceremony, emphasized that "this is a nation (...) which, in the absence of cultural affinities and a permanent political and international alliance system, is used to fighting its own battles. However, all those who support us in our endeavours and understand us have always been highly respected and appreciated by the Hungarian nation". He also emphasized that "the Hungarians could talk a lot about how they lack permanent allies who would have provided a steady support in such situations. We do not feel sorry for this, but we simply have to say that Hungarians - as they did in the days of Rákóczi, before and after, and today - can basically rely on themselves, and we must live and shape our foreign policy with this knowledge, and it is with this in mind that we must seek allies and friends in the world at large", he said.
Prof. Dr. László Trócsányi, Rector stated that this region: Sárospatak, Hegyalja and Tokaj were internationally known throughout history, and George Stepney played a significant role during the Rákóczi War of Independence. The statue is therefore justified, he said, as it has both foreign and museum significance.
His Excellency Paul Fox, British Ambassador to Hungary, also praised George Stepney's role in the common history of the two countries. He explained that the late diplomat believed strongly in dialogue and mediation, and his statue will be a strong symbol not only of his personal service, but also of the strong ties between Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Photo: Gombos Levente
