Hungarians regard Slovenes as friends and Christian brothers and are happy to be neighbours, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Friday night in Ljubljana at a state ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of Slovenian statehood and the country’s upcoming Council of EU presidency.
The Hungarian premier highlighted that he brought the greetings and appreciation of the Hungarian people to the Slovenians. “When we visit Slovenia, we see a beautiful country. When we view Slovenian history, we read the fate of a thousand-year-old nation. Thirty years ago, you achieved your independence and freedom – practically unarmed – with enormous presence of mind and courage. The whole world realised that Slovenia is the home of the brave who reclaim their own country,” he emphasised.
Hungarians understand what it means to fight against all odds, Mr Orban added, stressing that a nation’s greatness is determined by its heritage, spirit and pride. We see the work, creativity, and solid moral fortitude with which you have made Slovenia spectacularly successful,” the PM added. He noted that “the stronger, more prosperous, and happier our neighbour is, the better for us Hungarians and our country.” A neighbouring nation of this calibre also elevates Hungary’s value PM Orban stated. “We value your friendship. Hungary salutes the people of Slovenia and their brave leaders. God bless Slovenia!” the Hungarian prime minister concluded his speech.
At the state celebration on Republic Square in Ljubljana, Slovenian President Borut Pahor and Prime Minister Janez Jansa addressed the audience. Apart from Viktor Orban, other foreign guests taking the podium included European Council President Charles Michel, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and Italian Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio. Slovenia and Croatia declared their independence thirty years ago, on 25 June 1991, which sparked the internal war that ultimately led to the dissolution of the federative state of Yugoslavia.
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