Polish President Andrzej Duda Visits Kaposvár Amidst Historical Friendship Celebrations
Duda emphasizes mutual ties and security concerns in the context of rising geopolitical tensions.
Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Kaposvár at 11 AM, accompanied by his wife, Agata Kornhauser-Duda.
Upon arrival, they were welcomed by the mayor of Kaposvár, Szita Károly, alongside Hungarian President Sulyok Tamás and his wife, Nagy Zsuzsanna.
Following a ceremonial meeting, Duda and Sulyok, along with their delegations, conducted private discussions, which were followed by a press statement detailing the outcome of their closed-door negotiations.
President Sulyok emphasized the long-standing friendship between Hungary and Poland, stating, "The Hungarian-Polish friendship is part of Hungarian self-identity.
It is a value that we must preserve, nurture, and build upon." He thanked Duda for standing together for this friendship, recalling the establishment of the Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day in 2006 by then-presidents Lech Kaczyński and Sólyom László.
Sulyok highlighted that the timing of their meeting coincided with the conclusion of the traditional Hungarian-Polish historical competition, and mentioned their plans to meet with the finalists.
Duda, initially restrained in his remarks, stressed the shared values and historical connections between the two nations and underscored the necessity of fostering these ties.
However, he quickly transitioned to address the current geopolitical climate, which Sulyok had notably sidestepped.
Duda stated, "The security structure in our continent has changed.
Together with Sulyok, we expressed our hope that the war in Ukraine will end with a just and lasting peace, ensuring the existence of a free and sovereign Ukrainian state, while also guaranteeing the security of our countries to halt Russian imperialism."
He underscored the need for increased defense spending in NATO nations, reiterating that he had proposed this to U.S. President Joe Biden a year earlier.
Duda further noted that he submitted a proposal to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, advocating that defense expenditures should reach at least 3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
He cited that during the Cold War, Western countries allocated approximately 3% of their GDP to defense, which was deemed sufficient to protect the world from Soviet imperialism, now repackaged as Russian imperialism under the current administration.
Mayor Szita Károly, acting as host, was asked about the future of Polish-Hungarian relations amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
He responded, "Two politicians may clash, but two nations do not." Szita remarked that the historical friendship could weather challenges and mentioned various local Polish friendship groups in Kaposvár that enhance bilateral cooperation.
The mayor noted that Kaposvár had expressed interest in hosting the Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day several years prior to the pandemic, emphasizing pride in successfully organizing the event post-lockdowns, particularly with the attendance of both presidents.
Following the press statements, the two presidents shared a meal before attending an afternoon gala at the Csiky Gergely Theatre, which showcased a mix of folk, classic, and contemporary culture, featuring works from notable composers and artists of both countries.
In remarks before the gathered crowd, Sulyok highlighted the depth of Hungarian-Polish friendship, referencing its recognition even by Pope John Paul II. He elaborated on the uniqueness of Hungarian identity, stating, "We, Hungarians, are a nation without relatives in the heart of Europe...
This kinlessness has at times been a curse and at others a blessing." He expressed that this circumstance taught the Hungarian people self-reliance, and emphasized the important role of Poles in bridging the historical void.
Duda echoed Sulyok's sentiments, commemorating the shared struggles of both nations throughout history and highlighting the importance of transatlantic relations for European security.
He recalled the assistance provided by Hungary to Poland in 1920 during conflicts with Soviet forces.
Duda, nearing the end of his presidential term, expressed hope that he could continue to foster Polish-Hungarian relations beyond his presidency and recited a poem by Sándor Petőfi.
The event concluded with attendees enjoying the theater performance, reflecting the cultural ties between Hungary and Poland.
Upon arrival, they were welcomed by the mayor of Kaposvár, Szita Károly, alongside Hungarian President Sulyok Tamás and his wife, Nagy Zsuzsanna.
Following a ceremonial meeting, Duda and Sulyok, along with their delegations, conducted private discussions, which were followed by a press statement detailing the outcome of their closed-door negotiations.
President Sulyok emphasized the long-standing friendship between Hungary and Poland, stating, "The Hungarian-Polish friendship is part of Hungarian self-identity.
It is a value that we must preserve, nurture, and build upon." He thanked Duda for standing together for this friendship, recalling the establishment of the Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day in 2006 by then-presidents Lech Kaczyński and Sólyom László.
Sulyok highlighted that the timing of their meeting coincided with the conclusion of the traditional Hungarian-Polish historical competition, and mentioned their plans to meet with the finalists.
Duda, initially restrained in his remarks, stressed the shared values and historical connections between the two nations and underscored the necessity of fostering these ties.
However, he quickly transitioned to address the current geopolitical climate, which Sulyok had notably sidestepped.
Duda stated, "The security structure in our continent has changed.
Together with Sulyok, we expressed our hope that the war in Ukraine will end with a just and lasting peace, ensuring the existence of a free and sovereign Ukrainian state, while also guaranteeing the security of our countries to halt Russian imperialism."
He underscored the need for increased defense spending in NATO nations, reiterating that he had proposed this to U.S. President Joe Biden a year earlier.
Duda further noted that he submitted a proposal to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, advocating that defense expenditures should reach at least 3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
He cited that during the Cold War, Western countries allocated approximately 3% of their GDP to defense, which was deemed sufficient to protect the world from Soviet imperialism, now repackaged as Russian imperialism under the current administration.
Mayor Szita Károly, acting as host, was asked about the future of Polish-Hungarian relations amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
He responded, "Two politicians may clash, but two nations do not." Szita remarked that the historical friendship could weather challenges and mentioned various local Polish friendship groups in Kaposvár that enhance bilateral cooperation.
The mayor noted that Kaposvár had expressed interest in hosting the Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day several years prior to the pandemic, emphasizing pride in successfully organizing the event post-lockdowns, particularly with the attendance of both presidents.
Following the press statements, the two presidents shared a meal before attending an afternoon gala at the Csiky Gergely Theatre, which showcased a mix of folk, classic, and contemporary culture, featuring works from notable composers and artists of both countries.
In remarks before the gathered crowd, Sulyok highlighted the depth of Hungarian-Polish friendship, referencing its recognition even by Pope John Paul II. He elaborated on the uniqueness of Hungarian identity, stating, "We, Hungarians, are a nation without relatives in the heart of Europe...
This kinlessness has at times been a curse and at others a blessing." He expressed that this circumstance taught the Hungarian people self-reliance, and emphasized the important role of Poles in bridging the historical void.
Duda echoed Sulyok's sentiments, commemorating the shared struggles of both nations throughout history and highlighting the importance of transatlantic relations for European security.
He recalled the assistance provided by Hungary to Poland in 1920 during conflicts with Soviet forces.
Duda, nearing the end of his presidential term, expressed hope that he could continue to foster Polish-Hungarian relations beyond his presidency and recited a poem by Sándor Petőfi.
The event concluded with attendees enjoying the theater performance, reflecting the cultural ties between Hungary and Poland.
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