According to the decision of our Parliaments, we have been celebrating the Day of Hungarian-Polish Friendship on 23 March every year since 2007.

The expression “Hungarian and Pole, two good friends” has long been popular in both countries and reminds us of the thousand-year-old ties between our two nations, and the Days of Friendship we have organised in turns for the past ten years also remind our societies that during the course of history we have always been and continue to be each other’s’ important partners, helpers and supporters.

In addition to friendship, one of the key elements of our traditionally problem-free bilateral relations are our fundamentally common interests with regard to the process of social transformation, as well as the strengthening of the Central European identity.

This year’s Day of Friendship will be hosted by the Polish city of Piotrków Trybunalski on 24 and 25 March, and in addition to non-governmental organisations will also be attended by Presidents of the Republic Andrzej Duda and János Áder, and MPs from both countries.

It is extremely important and, with relation to the migration crisis, actual that our countries are able to pool their strength and act jointly not only with relation to our common values, but also to protect our interests.

Stopping illegal migration and reinforcing the protection of the Schengen borders is a key challenge not only for Hungary and Central Europe, but for the whole continent. We are extremely appreciative of the concrete Polish support provided within this field, and for the solidarity of the Visegrád Group countries.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)