Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,  

      I am pleased to welcome you today at the opening of a photo exhibition of images made by Mr. Sándor Pellek, titled „Scorching Eyes”. We are much honored by the presence of Mr. Tom Koenigs, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and His Excellency Mr. Ravan A. G. Farhadi, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan.

         Here, at the United Nations, during the past few years we have seen many kinds of reports about Afghanistan. This exhibition is a special kind of it; a report made by images, bringing the reality very much alive for all of us, seen by the eyes and the heart of a Hungarian peacekeeper, military doctor. These breathtaking pictures give us the chance to take a different look at Afghanistan, to see the human stories behind the painful process of the country’s transition toward democracy. This exhibition intends to speak about the life, the courage and determination of the Afghan people and their efforts to rebuild their country.

        The pace of the change in Afghanistan has been remarkable by any standards. But while talking about the significant progress the country has achieved since 2001, let us never forget the generosity and help extended by the likes of Dr. Pellek to the Afghan men and women, so that their courage and determination could bear fruit. Mr. Sándor Pellek, as a doctor, treated severely wounded people, day by day in Afghanistan. Thus, he was able to get a first hand account of the impacts of the two-decade long war on the people of Afghanistan, which he shares now with us through his stark images.     

       This exhibition intends to be more than a mere presentation of pictures. It conveys a message that signifies the spirit of cooperation, cooperation among countries all around the world, to help the Afghan people in their struggle to create a secure word and a stable society. Their devotion and determination to succeed is admirable and shows great courage, which we must never forget, but appreciate. Through this exhibition, Mr. Sándor Pellek demonstrates the commitment of his country, the Republic of Hungary, to building a long lasting peace in Afghanistan.  

       For its part, Hungary was ready to make its contribution to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and has been involved in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) since 2003.

        Further materializing our commitment to offer a helping hand to the Afghan people, the Government of Hungary has recently decided to take over the leadership of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Pul-e-Khomri, Baglan Province. On September 30, the full command of the PRT was handed over to Hungarian troops by their Dutch counterparts. Through operating the PRT, Hungary will be able to redouble its efforts in assisting the Afghan reconstruction process and helping the extension of the central government’s influence to the province. I would also like to mention that in Hungary we are providing training opportunities for Afghan Air Force officers and pilots.

         We are a medium sized country, an emerging economy, but we will continue to play our part. The images of this exhibition tell you, what all these efforts are about, the people of Afghanistan.