diplomatic relationships were being established . Because of the great expense and distance to travel , many countries could not afford to have representation in other countries . The concept of finding a local citizen of some presumed prominence and asking them to represent the other country with full diplomatic accreditation was originated . I do not have full diplomatic immunity like career Consul Generals do , except when I am acting in my official capacity , but rather , I have limited diplomatic immunity . They cannot declare me a persona non grata and remove me from the country because I am a U . S . citizen .
What I do is represent the people of Hungary , set up meetings for foreign dignitaries that come here , and work to establish business contacts between the two countries bilaterally . Hungary ’ s Honorary Consuls , in fact most Honorary Consuls , do not do documents . For example , if someone needs a visa to go to Hungary , I do not do that , but I facilitate and send them in the right direction . According to the Geneva treaties that set up diplomatic relations , there are several specific responsibilities . By law I am required to be notified if there is a Hungarian citizen being held in jail , arrested , or being detained by government authorities . I have the legal obligation to confirm that they are well treated and that they have appropriate representation . Also , if there is a ship with the flag of that country in the port , in my territory , I am responsible to make sure that if there are any problems they get resolved . Hungary is landlocked , so I wouldn ’ t have that particular issue , but these are the types of matters that a Honorary Consul and a career Consul deal with .
Katia : Tell us about the Honorary Consulate General of Hungary in Houston . What parts of America are covered by the Consulate and what are the services it provides ?
Mr . Aronoff : Just Texas . I was offered more , but Texas is a large territory to cover . I get no reimbursement of expenses , of anything to do this job . I do this strictly for both the satisfaction of helping people who need help and of interacting with my colleagues , who not only follow what is going on around the world , but who are also active participants .
Katia : What are some past , present , and future goals for Hungary ’ s relationship with Houston ?
Mr . Aronoff : Three month ago we had the Foreign Minister in Dallas . We have signed collaboration agreements with the Ministry of Health , MD Anderson , collaboration agreements with Texas A & M and the Agriculture Ministry . We ’ ve had the Finance Minister visit Texas to develop business through what they refer to as “ road shows .” We travel around with Hungarian officials showing how and why one should do busi-
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