Welcome speech by Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, at the meeting with representatives of Hungarian Associations in Switzerland on the Day of National Unity
With great respect and affection, I welcome the representatives of the Hungarian associations in Switzerland! I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet you and to learn more about your communities.
We Hungarians have become accustomed to the fact that national togetherness does not necessarily mean geographical togetherness, since due to our turbulent history, we find Hungarians and strong and vibrant Hungarian communities in many parts of the world.
Today, fortunately, it is no longer historical necessity that expands the Hungarian diaspora. Many of our compatriots find a new home away from Hungary for study, employment, business or research. Some temporarily, others permanently. This is part and parcel of our globalised world.
One thing is certain: wherever and for whatever reason a Hungarian is thrown from their country, they will stand their ground honourably. Hungarians, wherever they live in the world, always occupy a respected place in the society of their chosen country.
Their performance, their value creation, their potential, their knowledge and their dedication are noticed everywhere.
That is why the Hungarian communities of the diaspora are a special resource for the Hungarian nation. They understand the culture of the country where they live, yet they also carry the culture of their homeland within them. They are bridges that connect us, thus having a significant impact on the development of social, cultural, economic and political relations between our countries.
Your commitment to uphold and create value has contributed to the appreciation of Hungarians abroad and played a crucial role in building Swiss-Hungarian relations as well. I am happy to meet your constructive and cohesive Hungarian communities here in Switzerland. I thank them for always standing up for Hungary and our togetherness.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Dear compatriots!
We need to focus not only on the spiritual content of our belonging together, but also on the natural reality of our everyday life, on our personal connections. And this can be achieved through constant events, intensive contacts and mutually supportive cooperation between our Hungarian communities.
Perhaps you know better than we do at home that the key to survival is to uphold our communities. It is difficult to preserve our culture, our mother tongue and our traditions without partners, without a supportive and strengthening environment.
Only by strengthening each other can we preserve the spiritual, intellectual and cultural richness that belongs to us as Hungarians.
To me, national unity means two important aspects. On the one hand, there can be no doubt that we belong together. The Hungarian nation cannot be divided. On the other hand, there is no alternative to our unity. We Hungarians have to believe in each other every day, accepting each other and understanding each other. We must not lose sight of one another; it is our duty to keep each other in mind.
Since we are inseparably connected, we also owe each other a responsibility that can never be abandoned or neglected.
Dear Fellow Hungarians!
Often we can experience the brilliant manifestations of our solidarity, of standing up for each other and helping each other. There are many fine examples of how we Hungarians can draw strength from each other, we can help each other, we can create good communities, and we can support each other.
Today, once again, one of our communities is in trouble. In Szeklerland, the floods are not sparing people's jobs, families' houses, and our common historical heritage. The livelihoods of Hungarians are at risk. It is time again for Hungarian community solidarity. It is wonderful to see how many people have immediately moved to help Hungarian communities in distress. The Hungarians of Szeklerland are not and will never be left alone.
It is in adversity that the strength of a nation is shown, and it is in adversity that the strength of national solidarity is manifested, and how much we can count on each other.
And it is good to experience that we are there for each other in every circumstance, we are there for the Hungarian people in trouble. This is our strength, this is our togetherness.
This week, I will be visiting Transylvania, where I will take part in the Pilgrimage of Csíksomlyó. Of course, in this situation, I will also be visiting Parajd to see for myself what the situation is and where and how support is most needed, including in the flood-ridden settlements of Háromszék.
Dear Fellow Hungarians!
We must always be loyal to the country and the nation. We must never forget the other Hungarian; we must embrace them as our fellow humans despite all differences of opinion. We must always help each other and should always be able to count on each other. This is what Hungarian national unity means. Let us continue to live up to it.
May God preserve our nation and all Hungarian communities!
Thank you for your kind attention.
Berne, 4 June 2025