Markku Virri, who was the head of Finnish diplomacy in Brazil before, visited Debrecen for the first time. The ambassador named the furthering of Finish-Hungarian educational, cultural and economic relations as important tasks, and said he hopes that an increasing number of Finnish companies will establish cooperation in Debrecen and the county. Furthermore, he also hopes that, through the educational links, more young Hungarians will have an opportunity to learn about his country’s language and culture, and will be active in the development of bilateral relations.
The diplomat held discussions with Elek Bartha, vice-rector of the University of Debrecen responsible for education, Róbert Keményfi, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Sándor Maticsák, head of the Department of Finno-Ugric Linguistics, as well as other members of the department, László Keresztes, professor Emeritus, and Meri Juhos, language teacher. He also informed himself about the current situation and the future plans concerning the teaching of Finnish language at the university.
Both Elek Bartha and Róbert Keményfi emphasised that the Finnish cooperation projects are very important for the university, and that not only the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, but other faculties also maintain very active relationships with universities and economic entities in Finland. The University of Debrecen has several honorary doctors from Finland, and former ambassador Jari Vilén received the Medal of the University a few years ago.
As Sándor Maticsák said, the teaching of Finnish language at the university has been continuous since 1914, the foundation of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The language of our northern relatives can currently be studied in a Finnish specialisation in the undergraduate programme, as well as in a separate Finno-Ugric master’s programme afterwards. In addition, doctoral studies are also available in Finno-Ugric linguistics.
László Keresztes emphasised the fact that, thanks to scholarships, 8 to 10 students travel to Finland each year, to learn the language and become acquainted with the culture. As a result of the available scholarship, some students have an opportunity to go to Finland and Estonia even 3-4 times during their university studies.
During his two-day visit, Ambassador Virri also met with Ferenc Miklósi, president of the Hajdú-Bihar County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who is also the honorary consul of the Republic of Finland, Szabolcs Komolay, vice mayor of Debrecen, Károly Fekete, bishop of the Transtibiscan Reformed Church District, and visited Csokonai Vitéz Mihály Grammar school where he had the chance to see a Finnish lesson. He then completed his visit in the county in Hajdúböszörmény, where he learnt about the work of the local Hungarian-Finnish Society.
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