President Milanović at the Day of Croats in Pécs: Learning the Croatian language is of fundamental importance for preserving identity
“I am glad that you maintain ties with the Homeland and that the younger generations are learning the Croatian language. I particularly emphasize the significance of the Croatian-language learning programme, which is of fundamental importance for preserving Croatian identity,” said the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović to the Croats at the ceremony marking the Day of Croats in Hungary, held in Pécs.
By taking part, together with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok, in the celebration of the Day of Croats in Hungary, as well as the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Croatian National Self-Government and the 35th anniversary of the activities of the Alliance of Croats in Hungary, President Milanović concluded his official visit to Hungary.
In his address, President Milanović said that Croats in Hungary have a very rich and long history and tradition. “Their roots are deeply embedded in the soil of these regions, and over the centuries they have preserved the Croatian identity – of which we are extremely proud,” the President added.
“My fellow Croats, thank you for your selfless work and for the many activities through which you contribute to preserving Croatian identity, culture, customs, and the Croatian language. In this, you have my support, as well as the support of the competent institutions of the Republic of Croatia,” said President Milanović, expressing his confidence that the younger generations will continue “the dedicated work carried out so far in building bridges between our peoples and cultures, while preserving their own identity and heritage.”
“I am sure that you will do everything to ensure that the good and close relations between Croatia and Hungary continue,” said President Milanović, congratulating and thanking the Croatian National Self-Government and the Alliance of Croats in Hungary for organizing the central event of Croats in Hungary, which has been traditionally marked for 25 years.
At the ceremony marking the Day of Croats in Hungary, President Milanović awarded Joso Šibalin the Order of the Croatian Interlace for his contribution to the development of relations between the Republic of Croatia and Hungary and for his exceptional merits in promoting Croatian cultural heritage and identity.
President Milanović also awarded the Charters of the Republic of Croatia to: the Croatian Theatre in Pécs for its contribution to the development of relations between the Republic of Croatia and Hungary and its exceptional merits in promoting Croatian theatre art; the Cultural and Artistic Society “Tanac” for its special contribution to preserving the Croatian national heritage and the folklore tradition of Croats in Hungary; and the Tamburitza Ensemble “Kopriva” for its special contribution to preserving and developing the musical cultural heritage of Croats in Hungary.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas