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Thank you very much, Mr.

President, for your remarks, and now I would like to invite Mr.

Jens Stoltenberg, and Norway's Minister of Finance and former NATO Secretary General to deliver his commemorative address.

Thank you, Thank you, Prime Minister, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.

Being in Budapest is always special to me.

This is a city and a country I have visited many times over many years.

In the early 1990s, my wife and I, we lived in Budapest.

As NATO Secretary General, I built close relationships with many of you here today.

Coming here To commemorate the 1956 revolution and freedom fight is particularly meaningful.

October 23 has always been an important day in my family.

I grew up hearing my mother and father's stories about the uprising. They spoke vividly. About Prime Minister Imj. And defense, Paul Bulteel. Who led the revolution with immense courage. And were cowardly executed.

In those pivotal days in 1956,

My mother and my father went to the border between Austria and Hungary. Volunteering to help refugees escape.

My parents told me when I was a child. About the bravery of the Hungarian people.

Those who stood up for freedom and democracy.

And those they met who were fleeing oppression.

Some of them have been close to my family since then. And I still have friends in Norway. Who left Hungary at that time. One of them, Dalmas. Is today 94 years old.

She was a young student, and she was actually there where the whole thing started,

in front of the General Ben stature.

And then later, just in front of this building on the 23rd of October,

and I promised to give you greetings from her, Dalma sitting in Oshawa. She was very happy.

Yeah It is therefore Moving for me to join in remembering all those who played their part in the momentous events of 1956.

The Hungarian people continue to suffer for decades.

But it demonstrated that democracy is stronger than dictatorship. That freedom is stronger than oppression. When the Iron Curtain Fell In 1989. Hungary regained its independence.

You were the first country to open your gates to the West. Just 10 years later, you joined NATO.

And 5 years after that, you became a member of the European Union.

This spring, The Hungarian people once again demonstrated their commitment to democracy. Once again, Hungary led by example. Thank you so much.

By joining the EU and NATO,

Hungary became an integral part of the two pillars of Euro-Atlantic,

the Euro-Atlantic Security Community.

Rooted in shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Let me thank you also for that.

Hungary is a highly valued member of the NATO alliance. Making key contributions to our shared security.

This includes leading one of NATO's multinational battle groups, hosting one of the alliance's headquarters, and,

not least, substantial contributions to NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo,

helping to stabilize the Western Balkans.

Now, more than ever, we need a strong NATO.

Today, once again, our values are being tested.

Democracy can no longer be taken for granted. Just as Hungarians did.

In 1956 Ukrainians are now facing Russian tanks.

Russia's war of aggression is a brutal attack on a sovereign, democratic nation.

Russia wants to control Ukraine and to reshape the whole European peace order through aggression. It is an attempt to prove. That might makes right. And that democracies are weak.

But we are not weak when we stand together. Together In NATO Together in Europe. And together with Ukraine.

Ukraine is not fighting only for its own survival.

But also for the principles of sovereignty, democracy and self-determination. Our support for Ukraine is not charity.

It is an investment in our own security.

And in the future of a democratic and peaceful Europe. We cannot allow Russia to succeed. The fight for freedom must continue.

Today We honor The women and men Who took a stand for freedom 70 years ago.

And those who continued to resist in the decades that followed. The brave students.

The workers Those who fought Those forced to flee.

Those Who gave Their lives The 9 56th revolution. Is a powerful reminder.

Of the importance of defending freedom and democracy. The revolution was suppressed. But its memory will never be extinguished. And freedom and democracy will prevail. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Minister Stoltenberg, for your speech and for your personal insight.

To bring this solemn occasion to a close, please rise.

Let's pay tribute to the melodies of the Ode to Joy and Soulzat and to the exit of the historic flags. Ho La. The your virtue. You And I so scared. I Esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen.

That In 3 Dear guests,

thank you very much for celebrating with us to commemorate the heroes of the 1956 revolution and War of Independence.

It's been a moving experience to be here with you.

May I ask heads of the foreign delegations to please make their way to the main staircase for a group photograph,

and I'd also like to ask you all to join us for the rest of the program taking place on Koch Square.