Sopron [Hungary], August 20: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday thanked Hungary for its crucial contribution to overcoming the division of Europe and for German reunification.
In a joint press conference with Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok, Steinmeier also called on Hungary to use its current European Union Council presidency to strengthen the EU.
Steinmeier was participating in the commemorative event marking the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic in the Hungarian-Austrian border town of Sopron, which had been utilized by 600 to 700 East German (DDR) citizens to flee to the West.
The symbolic border opening for three hours on August 19, 1989, brought the first breach in the Iron Curtain, which had long divided Europe, Steinmeier said.
The Pan-European Picnic was a "milestone on the path to German reunification." "Germany will always be grateful to the people of Hungary for their contribution to our unity. And as the federal president, I sincerely say: Thank you, dear Hungarians," Steinmeier said. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune