Only those countries are able to defend their independence which are able to face reality, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said at a reception held on the terrace of the Carmelite Monastery in the company of invited politicians and artists.

At the Wednesday reception, Mr Orbán highlighted that the last Soviet soldier had left Hungary 28 years ago. “I still remember that as the barracks were being deserted, the only thing we could think about was that there is no better sight than a departing guest’s back,” Mr Orbán said.

What is more, he said turning to the singer Feró Nagy among the invited guests, they were both concerned for the departing Soviet soldiers “lest they should miss the train”.

The Prime Minister said the day’s message is that only those countries are able to defend their independence which are able to face reality. “It is all very well and good, but what is reality? How should a country of 10 million, like ours, look upon the outside world? Should we see enemies, or allies around us?”, Mr Orbán asked.

In the Prime Minister’s experience, the answer is that if someone is weak, then the outside world is an enemy. If, however, you are strong, then the outside world is an ally.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)