Dear Deputy Minister! Dear Director, dear Polish friends!

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During the time of the coronavirus epidemic, difficult for us all, it is a real heartfelt honour to receive the Guardian of Virtues Award bestowed by the Wacław Felczak Polish-Hungarian Cooperation Institute. I deeply regret not being able to be with you in person. However I trust that we shall meet soon.

I accept this honourable award with gratitude and humility. I would also like to thank all the staff at the Institute for their devotion to fostering the common traditions of both our nations and for standing guard over Wacław Felczak's legacy.

For us, Hungarians, professor Felczak is an example, a man who was able to deliver a bold, humanitarian and exemplary response to the challenges of the 20th century's turbulent history. He was a citizen of Central Europe, who resolutely stood up to both the fascist and communist regimes.  He was a tender-hearted Polish patriot and a legendary apostle of Polish-Hungarian friendship. Hungarian history seemed speak through him even on his deathbed: he passed away on October 23rd, the day devoted to the memory of the 1956 uprising and struggle for freedom.

Cultivating the friendship with Poland and the Polish nation is an inherent part of Hungarian national identity and culture. Over the last millennium, Poland and Hungary suffered the brunt of the turbulent history, and whenever possible, we helped one another: during the tragic Battle of Mohács, the 1848-49 struggle for freedom and during the Polish–Soviet War. We also stood side by side in October 1956, a period of such importance to us. This spirit of this ancient friendship continues along new paths in the European Union. The alliance is as it has always been, we are still fighting shoulder to shoulder for our rights.

I am proud to be able to be part of this thousand year old friendship. I think that the award extends far beyond just me, as it constitutes a recognition of all that which binds us and all that we believe in: a diverse, strong Europe based on sovereign nations, where family, Christianity and conservative values are the bedrock of its society.

For me, this accolade is proof that the direction chosen by our countries is legitimate, even if opposed by many. The prize is road sign in this struggle, a torch illuminating the way towards our mutual values and our common goals.

Thank you so much once again for this recognition!