Colorful Events Deepen Friendship

Szilas Cecília, Hungarian Ambassador to China [Women of China English Monthly]

In collaboration with the European Union's Delegation to China, the Hungarian Embassy and Beijing Hungarian Cultural Institute (BHCI) have hosted several events that have highlighted the art and culture of Hungary. Women of China (WOC) recently interviewed Szilas Cecília, Hungarian Ambassador to China, to discuss her personal interests in the Chinese language, food and culture. In the following interview, Szilas also discusses various measures that will enhance communications between Hungary and China.

Q: A report mentioned that you have been living in China for more than 10 years. What sparked your interest in learning the Chinese language?

A: I have always been interested in learning foreign languages. After I had reached a decent level of speaking European languages, such as English, German and Spanish, I turned my attention to Chinese, almost 20 years ago. The decisive moment occurred when I was spending my holiday in Beijing. I realized that I needed to master the Chinese language in order to well understand this amazing country. So, I started to learn Chinese. Later, I applied for, and was accepted to, studying at the Chinese Faculty of Eötvös Loránd University. In addition to learning Chinese in Hungary, I had a chance to study at Tsinghua University in Beijing … My educational background in economics and Sinology has allowed me to broaden my understanding of my career and life in China.

Q: In August 2014, shortly after you assumed the post as Hungarian Ambassador to China, you attended a women's forum in northwestern China's Gansu Province. What was your impression of the women in Gansu?

A: Despite the various cultural diversities faced by women in different regions of China, I have found the women share one thing in common: Women are playing a very important role in Chinese society, especially in large cities. Being an ambassador, I am proud to see that women have achieved high status, both in their families and in the workplace.

Q: What is your vision for enhancing the Sino-Hungarian friendship? What events will the Hungarian Embassy host this year?

A: I think there are three key areas through which the friendship can be deepened. First, Hungary provides opportunities to learn the language of each other's country, so that people can better understand each other. The Hungarian-Chinese Bilingual School is the only such educational institution in Europe. Hungary has more than 25 educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, where students can learn Chinese.

Second, we promote cultural exchanges and (the development of) tourism, with the latter being a particularly dynamic area. The China-Central and Eastern European Countries' Tourism Coordination Center opened in Budapest last year, and the China National Tourist Administration opened a representation office, also in our capital (Budapest), in March this year. Moreover, we are open to establish new direct air routes between major Chinese cities (such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou) and Budapest.

Finally, it is quite the challenge to outline the many cultural exchanges we will be hosting in China throughout this year. For example, we have planned to host 19 events within the special Hungarian Cultural Month in May. Instead of discussing in details one or two of the events, I would suggest people to visit the website of the Beijing Hungarian Cultural Institute and/or the WeChat account, xiongyali-wenhua, for further information.

Q: What are the things you like about China? How do you spend your spare time in Beijing?

A: Regarding Chinese food, one of my favorites, the first thing that came into my mind was that after I arrived in China, as a student, I gained five kilograms within a month, simply by eating huge amounts of local food. I like to taste everything … from Sichuan to Guangdong cuisines. Of the various cuisines across China, Dongbeicai (Northeast China's cuisine) is my favorite. Another interesting thing that I woke up to in relation with Chinese cuisine, is how marvelously Hungarian wines harmonize with a great many of dishes of China's different regions.

In my spare time, I like hiking and exploring Beijing and the city's surrounding areas. If I have more time, I love to travel within the country. One of my favorite things is strolling in hutong in Beijing, so I can have friendly chats with local people. I also enjoy the atmosphere in various parks, which are filled with elderly people who are doing exercises and/or participating in social activities. Beijing is a city with colorful events, such as international communications, concerts and exhibitions, so people never get bored here.

Message for Mothers and Children:

Mother's Day is a precious day for all of us. It's the day when we celebrate maternity, one of the most wonderful spirits in the world. It is not surprising that many artists, poets and writers have been impressed by the deep love that flourishes between mothers and their children. On May 7, mothers and children will be invited to Beijing Hungarian Cultural Institute to celebrate Mother's Day. Our guests will have a deeper understanding of how mothers are depicted in European literature, and the guests will draw some postcards to celebrate the event during a craft workshop.

On June 4, visitors to Beijing Hungarian Cultural Institute will learn how we celebrate International Children's Day (June 1) in Hungary. We will organize a documentary-production workshop, in which kids will be the 'stars' highlighted in our Children's Day documentary.

Let me take this opportunity to invite the distinguished readers to visit our Cultural Institute!

(Executive Editor: SHANE YEE, Women of China English Monthly May 2016 Issue)