Novak: Hungary, Portugal respect national traditions

Novak spoke before the city council after receiving the keys to the city from Mayor Carlos Moedas.

Both countries are deeply rooted in their history and refuse to give up their traditions, culture and family values, she said.

Noting the anniversary of the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Novak said the 150,000 ethnic Hungarians living in western Ukraine in Transcarpathia have been “personally impacted” by the war. “Nobody thought the war would last this long,” and now the aim must be to prevent its escalation and to bring about a speedy ceasefire, she said.

Moedas said Hungary and Portugal were two of the oldest nations in the world. He praised Hungary, which, he said, “was often swept up in the storms of history but always found a solution.” Hungary has become an example for Europe, and a nation of exceptional scientists, researchers and doctors, he said.

During her visit, Novak also met President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Speaker of Parliament Augusto Santos Silva.