German Interior Minister Seehofer Thanks Hungary for Its Role in 1989

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer has sent a letter to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to thank Hungary for the opening of its western border to East German citizens 30 years ago, Orbán’s press chief said on Thursday.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding contribution Hungary has made to German and European history,” Seehofer said.

‘Hundreds of East Germans came to get through the border. I only had minutes to decide whether I would stop them or not. I think I made the right choice’

The German politician said that the Pan-European Picnic on August 19 and the opening of Hungary’s western border to East Germans on September 10 represented a milestone on the road to a united and free Europe.

Merkel Thanks Hungary for Its Role in German Unification

Germany will never forget the courage Hungary had shown which still binds the two countries together in a deep friendship, he said.

Bundestag President: Germany Will Never Forget Hungarians’ Courage in 1989

“This courageous move also calls us to stand up together for our freedom,” Seehofer said.

In the featured photo illustration: Horst Seehofer and Viktor Orbán. Photo by Szilárd Koszticsák/MTI