The Office of the President of the Republic of Hungary
The Office of the President of the Republic of Hungary
08/19/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Germany and Hungary's relationship is important – State visit in Sopron
Germany and Hungary's relationship is important - State visit in Sopron
Submitted by Sándor-palotaon August 19, 2024
The relationship between Germany and Hungary is of utmost importance from both an alliance and strategic point of view, said Hungarian Head of State Dr. Tamás Sulyok in Sopron, after a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the town hall on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic.
Dr. Tamás Sulyok added that despite differences of opinion between the governments of the two countries on certain issues, "we, as heads of state, have the opportunity to bridge them".
"I am sure that through a mutually respectful approach and sincere dialogue (...) we can not only preserve our relations, but also strengthen them", the President oF Hungary said, adding that the anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic is a good occasion for this.
President Sulyok said that the Pan-European Picnic was a breakthrough event in European history, "in fact the Trojan Horse of German unification".
He expressed gratitude and thanks to the organisers, the staff and the participants of the picnic. He said that, following their example, cooperation between the two countries should focus on the forward-looking elements that bring us together, whether on the basis of values or interests.
Dr. Tamás Sulyok stressed that he and Frank-Walter Steinmeier agreed that the two countries regard each other as important political and economic partners, and are allies on most European issues.
Maintaining friendly relations and strengthening good relations is a common goal for us, the President said.
He pointed out that German companies have become the most active group of investors in Hungary, and German companies operating here are constantly expanding their activities. In the fields of education, research and innovation, the inter-institutional collaborative framework between the two countries is outstanding, and in strengthening relations, both citizens of German nationality living in Hungary and Hungarians living in Germany are seen as important links.
Dr. Tamás Sulyok pointed out that Budapest is home to the only German-language University outside the German-speaking area, and as soon as undergraduate education is launched at Andrássy University, then, uniquely in Europe, it will be possible to study in German in Hungary from kindergarten to a PhD degree.
Tamás Sulyok also stressed that for us Hungarians, our national identity, culture, traditions, language and sovereignty are important, cardinal issues. Hungarians believe in a European alliance of independent nation states, he said, adding that different opinions on Europe do not divide us, but always unite us.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, like Tamás Sulyok, expressed his pleasure that the anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic is commemorated in Sopron.
The Pan-European Picnic was not only the road to German unity, but also marked the end of Europe's division, as the event, which enabled 600 GDR citizens to enter Austria, made a major contribution to a Europe without borders, he said.
The German Head of State underlined that Sopron symbolises the friendship between the two peoples in a special way. Sopron is a symbol of European solidarity, freedom and unity.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed that as the current President of the Council of the European Union, Hungary has a great responsibility, especially with regard to the war between Russia and Ukraine. He added that he wanted the anniversary of the picnic to strengthen our common European values. He expressed his conviction that the two countries need each other and the European Union.
He also said that amidst the current geopolitical challenges, it is important that the EU's unity and capacity to act is preserved. Hungary has a great responsibility and role to play in strengthening the unity of the EU, because unity is the key to Europe's strength.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that in order to strengthen bilateral relations, the exchange of views with Tamás Sulyok will be continued in October in Krakow, and the Hungarian President was invited to Berlin.