An event celebrating the National Day of Hungary, which marks the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian revolution of 1956, was held with the participation of around 400 people on Wednesday, at the Strovolos Municipal Theater in Nicosia.
According to a press release issued by the Hungarian Embassy, Krisztina Lakos, Ambassador of Hungary to Cyprus underlined in her speech that 70 years have passed since October 1956, yet some moment in history never fade with the passage of time. ‘The 23rd of October is one such day,’ she said.
Remembering the heroes of the Hungarian revolution of 1956, she said that Hungarian and Cypriot history have taken different paths, “yet we are connected by our commitment to freedom, national dignity, and desire for peace. This is why the message of 1956 is still relevant today.” She added that the anniversary is a reminder to the fact that freedom, tolerance, democracy should never be taken for granted, and that peace is something “we must protect and work for every day.”
In addition, she noted that Hungary also contributes to ensuring peace in Cyprus with the Hungarian contingent serving in the UNFICYP mission since 1993. At the same time, she highlighted that Hungary fully supports the Republic of Cyprus, stands up for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is committed to ensuring a valuable solution within the agreed framework defined by the resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, who was the guest of honour of the event, emphasized in his speech that the relations between Hungary and Cyprus are excellent and based on the mutual respect. He mentioned that the two countries have extremely close cooperation, primarily in the field of education, science, sports, and humanitarian assistance. He also expressed his appreciation for Hungary’s decades-long commitment to the UNFICYP peacekeeping mission.
According to the press release, in the first part of the event the world-famous 4for Dance Group gave a unique performance combining Hungarian tradition and modernity in a truly spectacular and rhythmic mix. After the show the guests could taste some Hungarian wines and ‘palinka’, as well as some bites at the official reception.