Hungary marks national day in Strovolos with tribute to 1956 revolution

Strovolos, Cyprus. Hungary’s national day was celebrated on Wednesday evening at the municipal theatre in Strovolos, commemorating 70 years since the country’s 1956 revolution. Hungarian ambassador to Nicosia Krisztina Lakos and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos addressed the event, highlighting shared values and cooperation between their countries.

Freedom and peace

Paying tribute to the revolution’s heroes, Lakos said certain historical moments retained their significance even after 70 years. She acknowledged that Hungary and Cyprus had followed different historical courses.

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“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 said.

The ambassador said the anniversary underscored the need not to assume that freedom, tolerance and democracy were assured, adding that protecting and fostering peace required daily effort.

Peacekeeping and bilateral ties

Lakos pointed to Hungary’s role in supporting peace in Cyprus through its contingent, which has served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) since 1993.

She reaffirmed Hungary’s full backing for the Republic and its sovereignty, alongside its commitment to a viable settlement under the agreed framework established by UN Security Council resolutions.

Kombos, who attended as guest of honour, praised the quality of relations between Cyprus and Hungary. He highlighted close cooperation, particularly in education, science, sport and humanitarian assistance, and thanked Hungary for its sustained commitment to the Unficyp peacekeeping mission.