Sulyok: Hungary-Germany relations key – Pan-European picnic’s 35th anniversary

Relations between Germany and Hungary are of prime importance both in terms of their alliance and from a strategic point of view, President Tamás Sulyok said after talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European picnic in Sopron, in western Hungary, on Monday.

Sulyok: Hungary-Germany relations key

Sulyok said that though there were differences of opinion between the two countries on certain matters, “we presidents have a duty to overcome these.”

He said he was certain that honest dialogue and an approach based on mutual respect allowed Hungary and Germany to not only preserve but could also strengthen their relations.

The president said the Pan-European picnic was a transformative event in European history, “effectively the Trojan horse of German reunification”.

He expressed his gratitude to the picnic’s organisers and participants, saying that Hungary and Germany ought to follow their example and focus on what unites them.

Sulyok said he and Steinmeier were in agreement that the two countries considered each other important political and economic partners and were allies on most European issues.

“Preserving and strengthening our friendly relationship is our shared goal,” he added.

Sulyok said German businesses were the most active investor group in Hungary and were continuously expanding their activities in the country. He praised the cooperation among their institutions in education, research and innovation, adding that both Hungary and Germany viewed each other’s national minority communities as a strong link between their two countries.

Budapest is home to the only German-language university outside German-speaking countries, he said.

Sulyok also said that the different opinions about Europe “unite, rather than divide us”.

Steinmeier welcomed that the anniversary of the Pan-European picnic was being commemorated in Sopron.

He said the event was not only something that led to Germany’s reunification, but was also the end of Europe’s division, noting its contribution to a Europe without borders.

Meanwhile, Steinmeier highlighted Hungary’s responsibility as the holder of the presidency of the Council of the European Union, especially in light of the Russia-Ukraine war.

He underscored Hungary’s role in strengthening the unity of the EU, saying it was the key to Europe’s strength.

Steinmeier said he and Sulyok will next discuss bilateral ties in Krakow in October, and that he has also invited his Hungarian counterpart to Berlin.

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