Katalin Novák: the most important goal is peace

Of all our priorities, peace must come first – stressed President of Hungary Katalin Novák in Warsaw on Wednesday, at the summit of the Bucharest Nine, i.e. the Eastern-European members of NATO.
She underlined: the recent history of our region reminds us of the need to focus our attention on creating and preserving peace. She added: once we have created peace, we must contribute to reconstructing Ukraine as a democratic and prosperous country.

At the plenary meeting, in addition to Katalin Novák, the floor was taken by President of Poland Andrzej Duda, President of Romania Klaus Johannis, President of Slovakia Zuzana Caputová, US President Joe Biden, President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, President of Latvia Egils Levits, President of Lithvania Gitanas Nauseda, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala and President of Estonia Alar Karis.

Katalin Novák recalled: Hungary provides shelter to people fleeing from Ukraine, is also present on the ground with strong humanitarian and medical support in the neighbouring country in distress. Katalin Novák explained: the situation since 24 February 2022 has made it clear that each country must be able to defend itself, while NATO, our common defence alliance, is clearly the right framework in which cooperation is efficient.

She added: it is in our best interest to continue strengthening NATO’s Eastern wing, a goal Hungary fully supports. As an EU Member State, and especially as a member of the Bucharest Nine, Hungary must focus on increasing the level of its military capabilities. Katalin Novák stressed: she hopes Sweden and Finland will soon become NATO members.

The President of Hungary emphasized: The presence of US President Joe Biden at the B9 Summit is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm our common commitment to peace. She also directed attention to the importance of protecting the rights of the minorities living in Ukraine’s territory. On this matter, a country that aims to become a member of the European Union has a great deal to do – she added.

She went on to say: On Wednesday, she met with the Archbishop of Warsaw and visited the grave of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski. As she explained, she visited the grave of the late Cardinal on Ash Wednesday because he had set an example for us all in the fight against Communism and the Soviets, and had stressed the need for peace and caution.