The Hungarian President is visiting Lithuania to mark the centennial of its national independence. Both Hungary and Lithuania established independent democratic republics after World War I in 1918.
The two Presidents will discuss bilateral relations between Lithuania and Hungary, EU agenda matters, regional security, and joint actions to strengthen NATO’s defense and deterrence on its eastern flank.
Three years ago, Hungarian fighter jets carried out the Baltic Air Policing mission at the Zokniai air base and in 2017, Hungarian troops were deployed on a rotational basis to NATO’s forward presence in Estonia.
Lithuania and Hungary enjoy strong historical bonds. Jogaila, Grand Duke of Lithuania, married Hedwig, Princess of Hungary and Queen of Poland. In the 16th century, Stephen Báthory, Duke of Transylvania, married Anna, sister of Sigismund Augustus, and ruled the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth for ten years.
Stephen Báthory reformed and modernized the Lithuanian army, repulsed aggression from Moscow, won the Livonian War, and established Vilnius University. During his reign schools were established, the courts were reformed and the Third Statute of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was adopted.
In modern day history, Lithuania and Hungary were united by freedom fights. The Hungarian Revolution of October 1956 resonated in Lithuania. 3,000 people died in Hungary as a result of brutal suppressions by the Soviet army. Students from Vilnius and Kaunas organized support rallies for Hungarians.
After their meeting, the Presidents will deliver statements to the media at 11.45 a.m.
