President Sulyok: Hungary-Poland Friendship Not a Myth, But a Lived Reality

This friendship does not pertain to isolated episodes of history; it permeates our lives and remains valid not only when our interests align, but as a constant and present reality.

President Tamas Sulyok delivers a speech at a gala event to mark the Day of Polish-Hungarian Friendship at the Csiky Gergely Theatre in Kaposvár, on March 21, 2025 (Photo: MTI / Noemi Bruzak)

He noted that although orphanhood strengthens, it also tests one’s resilience. "At times like these, we think of the Poles, and we realize that our kinlessness never meant true loneliness—largely thanks to them. They have always filled the void we felt around us. They have shown us that we are not alone, that we do have someone to rely on, and that we do not have to safeguard freedom by ourselves, because in the Polish people, we have found a worthy and faithful companion," he added.

He argued that although the two nations have never walked exactly the same path, they have moved in similar directions: there were times when we fought the Turks and the Tatars together; times when we were simultaneously pressed from the East and the West; times when we sacrificed our lives for each other’s freedom; and times when we supported each other even as we drifted in opposite directions.

"Even in times of need, we never let go of each other. In fact, we held on even more tightly—steadfastly, as best as we could, and courageously, as befits true brothers," Mr. Sulyok emphasized. He went on to say that Hungarians and Poles have always admired each other’s perseverance, love of freedom, faith, and resilience, that they have defended Europe with their blood, and that they have enriched it with their unique cultural contributions. "Perhaps no one understands better than us what it means to make sacrifices for faith, values, homeland, and Europe. The nation of new beginnings, the people of freedom, the bastion of Christianity—fervent in faith and valiant in battle—these descriptions apply equally to both our nations," President Sulyok stated, adding that 

in addition to shared destiny, national resilience and a fighting spirit, the secret of the two nations' friendship may lie in the lives of their shared saints, whose prayers have united them in heart and soul.

Hungary's head of state also remarked that the two nations have often regarded each other as reflections of themselves, noting that Pope John Paul II spoke of Hungarians and Poles as cousins during his first visit to Hungary.

Paying tribute to Polish President Andrzej Duda, President Sulyok emphasised that through his personal example and dedicated efforts, he has ushered in a flourishing era of Hungarian-Polish relations, further strengthening an already close bond.

Polish President Andrzej Duda delivers a speech at the festive gala marking the Day of Polish-Hungarian Friendship at the Csiky Gergely Theatre in Kaposvar on 21 March 2025. (Photo: MTI/Noemi Bruzak)

In his speech, Andrzej Duda also addressed the current security challenges, highlighting the role of regional and transatlantic relations in maintaining the stability of Poland, Hungary, and, more broadly, Central Europe. "History has taught both Poles and Hungarians the paramount importance of solidarity," he declared, referring to several instances of the two nations' shared historical fate, including the Hungarian ammunition supplies sent to Poland during the Polish-Bolshevik War of 1920.

"Today, as friends and allies, we must demonstrate solidarity in our actions and show mutual respect," the Polish head of state stressed, expressing his conviction that the mutual sympathy between Poles and Hungarians also has strong cultural foundations.

In his welcoming address, Karoly Szita (Fidesz-KDNP), the mayor of Kaposvar, emphasized that the friendship between the Hungarian and Polish nations is not merely a historical legacy, but a living bond that must always be preserved.