The celebration was held in the Parliament Building, where Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog outlined that through this award Hungary recognised Bernhard Vogel’s multi-faceted work for Hungary through the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and in cultivating German-Hungarian relations.

The Hungarian Prime Minister, who presented the award, stated that Hungarians not only respect, but like Germans.

Minister Balog, while praising the 80-year-old Bernard Vogel’s life, said that he was one of those politicians who never gave up on Germany’s reunification and always knew that Central European countries like Hungary had a crucial role in achieving it.

After receiving his award, Mr Vogel emphasised in his speech that wherever he goes, he will draw attention to Hungary, this pearl among the European nations. His people would never forget what Hungary did for Germany in 1989 and the following years. Budapest, he added, was a city which belongs to Europe and without which Europe would not be what it is today.

He emphasised that the difficulties Germany and Hungary were facing in the 1950s and ‘60s were much greater than the ones they face today. Therefore he believes that with appropriate measures today's problems can be resolved. In his closing remarks, he wished Hungary prosperity and success, and Prime Minister Orbán a long term as prime minister like he had.

Minister for Foreign Affairs János Martonyi, Minister of Interior Sándor Pintér, Minister of Development Mrs. László Németh, several Ministers of State and Mrs József Antall, widow of the former Hungarian Prime Minister also attended the award ceremony.

Source: Prime Minister's Office - kormany.hu