“The tough economic and defense policy decisions that Hungary has made – and continues to make every day – have made Hungary a beacon of freedom and liberty in a region now facing multiple external threats," the former congressman added.
“Congressman Mack’s job will be to ensure that U.S. media and policymakers have a direct line of communication to my office to foster a greater understanding of Hungary and our commitment to freedom and NATO alliance," Prime Minister Viktor Orban said as quoted in the statement.
Hungary is being used as a gateway to wealthier EU countries by thousands of migrants. As a result, the country is experiencing an unprecedented influx of undocumented immigrants. Budapest estimates that over 190,000 migrants have illegally entered the country since the beginning of 2015.
In late August, Hungary completed the construction of a 108-mile fence on the country’s southern border with Serbia to deter migrants from illegally crossing the country's border, which along with other restrictive measures taken by Budapest to bring immigration under control, triggered a wave of criticism from some members of the European Union and human rights groups.
