Presidents of five countries sign joint declaration in Warsaw

“Mindful of the historical experiences, proud of the achievements of our contemporary cooperation in the region and conscious of the challenges, we look with hope to the future. We express the conviction that the prosperity of our common heritage and common home, rooted in the European civilization, demands that, just like home, also Europe be built on the basis of fundamental values and principles. These are with no doubt: freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, democracy, the rule of law, equality and solidarity. A uniting Europe should remain open to all countries and nations which share the above-mentioned values,” reads the joint declaration of the heads of state, published on the website of the President of Ukraine.

The presidents underscore that they approach with understanding and support the persistent strivings of all the peoples of the region, with whom the nations are joined by common historical fate, and who wish to enjoy the blessings of freedom and democracy while demanding that their rights be respected.

“We believe that to all of us the solidarity of nations, especially under current threats to our common security, is one of the cornerstones of peace, stability, development, prosperity and resilience. Led by this assertion we are committed to continuing the dialogue and cooperation among the states we represent,” the declaration emphasizes.

As noted, the Presidents of Poland, Estonia, Ukraine, Latvia and Lithuania, meet in Warsaw today in order to jointly celebrate the 230th anniversary of the adoption of the 3 May Constitution.

“The passing of that momentous Act in 1791, regulating the legal system of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was of historic importance since it marked the first modern state effective fundamental law on our continent and the second one worldwide,” reads the declaration.

As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky makes a visit to Warsaw on May 3.

The first Constitution of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was adopted by the Great Sejm on May 3, 1791. The Constitution is considered one of the oldest in Europe. However, an attempt to implement the provisions of this document failed due to resistance from local magnates and the occupation of the Polish kingdom by Russian troops in 1792.

Photo credit: Jakub Szymczuk, KPRP

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