Just like back then, today we are also ready to face many challenges together and to safeguard the values of independence, unity and solidarity - Presidents of Poland and Lithuania, Andrzej Duda and Dalia Grybauskaite respectively, wrote in a joint statement marking the 450th anniversary of the signing of the Union of Lublin, which led to the creation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
"This Union, having survived over 200 years, has become an inspiration for the whole of Europe, to integrate and create ever-closer cooperation between states, as the best response to internal and external dangers" - the presidents of Poland and Lithuania underscored.
"By celebrating the 450th anniversary of the Union of Lublin, we pay tribute to our ancestors for giving birth to the visionary Commonwealth of Two Nations - the state founded on the principles of equality and shared responsibility," - Duda and Grybauskaite wrote. As both presidents highlighted, the influence the Union of Lublin had on the strenghtening of the then culture of citizenship and republican ideas, even today remains a precious input to our sociopolitical life.
"Just like back then, today we are also ready to face many challenges together and to safeguard the values of independence, unity and solidarity. By building common European and transatlantic future, launching strategic energy and transport projects and developing intensive cultural and scientific cooperation, we contribute to creating prosperity and security of the whole of Europe," reads the statement.
According to Duda and Grybauskaite, the spirit of the Union of Lublin, namely the mutual respect, consensual approach and cultural diversity, still lead us towards deepening of the partnership between the two nations.
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was established by the Union of Lublin in July 1569. It was one of the largestand most populous countries of 16th- to 17th-century Europe. The Commonwealth was marked by high levels of ethnic diversity and by relative religious tolerance.
After several decades of prosperity,it entered a period of protracted political,military and economic decline. Its growing weakness led to its partitioning among its neighbors (Austria, Prussia and the Russian Empire) during the late 18th century.
Shortly before its demise, the Commonwealth adopted a massive reform effort and enacted the May 3 Constitution – the first codified constitution in modern European history and the second in modern world history after the United States Constitution.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP