On October 25, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba, received the "Doctor Honoris Causa" award from Széchenyi István University in recognition of his decades-long career and contributions. The University conferred this honorary doctorate as a recognition for his efforts in strengthening Cuban-Hungarian higher education relations, as well as his work in the field of international public law.

As part of its internationalization strategy, Széchenyi István University is committed to fostering connections with Latin American students and researchers. Currently, the Institution has active educational and scientific collaborations in the region, significantly supported by its partnership with the Republic of Cuba. Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, has made significant contributions to higher education cooperation between the two countries and supports the UN's mission, with Széchenyi István University being a founding member of its Academic Impact (UNAI) network since 2010.

In recognition of his decades-long contributions to fostering scientific and academic collaborations and supporting students, Széchenyi István University awarded the Cuban Foreign Minister an honorary doctorate. The Doctor Honoris Causa title was presented on 25 October by the University’s senior management. In the commendation speech, Dr László Varga, Chairman of University Doctoral Council, highlighted that the honouree's work has enhanced the University’s international visibility, fostered connections with the Cuban academic community, and advanced international academic relations.

At the ceremony, Dr Bálint Filep, President of Széchenyi István University, noted that among the nearly thousand international students at the University, 49 are currently from Latin America. Thanks to the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme — and, since 2022, with the Cuban Foreign Minister’s support — young Cubans can now apply for this scholarship. "We welcome international students, including those from Cuba, with nearly fifty English-taught programmes, a genuinely international environment, unique industrial internship opportunities, and European-standard infrastructure and services," he stated. "We believe in the power of partnership and that through collective action, we can make the world a better place. By awarding the 'Doctor Honoris Causa' title, our University community wishes to express its respect and appreciation for the Minister’s decades of high-level contributions to international public law, with gratitude for his past efforts and commitment to future partnerships," he concluded.

Prof. Dr Ferenc Friedler, Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Rector of Széchenyi István University, Dr Boglárka Illés, State Secretary for Bilateral Relations, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba, Dr Bálint Filep, President of Széchenyi István University, Balázs Heincz, Hungarian Ambassador to Cuba, Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University, Guillermo Vázquez Moreno, Cuban Ambassador to Hungary and Dr Zsolt Kovács, Vice President for General and Educational Affairs at Széchenyi István University. (Photo: András Adorján)

At the event, Dr Boglárka Illés, State Secretary for Bilateral Relations, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, expressed gratitude for the Cuban Foreign Minister’s longstanding commitment to nurturing and advancing Hungarian-Cuban relations. “Nothing demonstrates this more clearly than the fact that this was already his sixth meeting with Minister Péter Szijjártó. Furthermore, with Minister Parrilla’s visit, he became the first Cuban Foreign Minister to visit Hungary since 1983,” she emphasized.

She elaborated that the honouree has consistently supported the development of bilateral relations in higher education. Beyond his backing of the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme, he has also played a pivotal role in establishing a Hungarian-Cuban agreement on diplomatic training cooperation. “Today, many Hungarian universities maintain active partnerships with Cuban institutions. The high level of interest is evident, as a 13-member delegation of Hungarian university rectors attended the Cuban International Higher Education Fair this past February. We hope that similar opportunities will arise in the future,” she added. She further noted the pride in having Széchenyi István University as a leading participant in this collaboration, significantly expanding its network and enhancing its international presence.

As the University’s newest honorary doctor, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla expressed his gratitude for the title awarded to him, affirming his intent to continue to be worthy of the honour. “I accept this honour both on my own behalf and on behalf of the Cuban people, as a recognition of the strong relations between our countries and our shared efforts in education. It is a privilege to be part of the legacy of Széchenyi István University, an institution that stands at the forefront of Hungarian higher education and is committed to international collaboration,” he said.

In his speech, the Foreign Minister pointed out that the mutual goodwill between the Hungarian and Cuban people creates excellent opportunities for cooperation in sports, culture, and education. He added that Cuba is also grateful for Hungary’s foreign policy support realized through international organizations.

“Today, we signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which will allow us to expand our economic, cultural, and scientific relations. This partnership holds great potential, enabling us to jointly address future challenges and ensure well-being and international dialogue,” he declared. He reminded the audience that next year marks the 65th anniversary of Cuban-Hungarian diplomatic relations, an occasion that will create new platforms for partnership and the deepening of cooperation between the two countries.