The headquarters of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) will move from Lausanne, Switzerland, to Budapest if the agreement on this matter is approved by the organisation’s congress, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó announced on Friday, 26 May.

The minister reported that he had signed an agreement with FINA President Husain Al-Musallam, regarding the relocation of the organisation’s headquarters to Budapest, which will have to be adopted by a unanimous of the FINA congress.

Péter Szijjártó emphasised that Hungary plays a prominent role in the world of swimming, not only because Hungarian athletes regularly win gold medals at world championships and Olympics, but also because Hungary was among the eight founding members of FINA when it was established in 1908. The minister pointed out that Hungary currently hosts the headquarters of two international sports federations, as well as ten organisations associated with the United Nations, and all of them are satisfied with the local conditions.

‘It will certainly be a great recognition for Hungary if the global headquarters of FINA relocates to Budapest. The organisation’s leaders have the specific goal of ensuring that at least half of the staff in the centre that will govern the world of swimming are Hungarian,’ he said. ‘Clearly, the relocation will significantly boost sports tourism and further enhance Hungary’s already significant role in the world of swimming and water polo,’ Minister Szijjártó underscored.