A message from Minister-President Kretschmer

We are delighted that Michael Kretschmer, Minister-President of the Free State of Saxony, has agreed to act as patron of our project ‘35 Bridges – 35 Years of the Neighborhood Agreement’. Through this, he is recognising the commitment of young people from Germany and Poland who are going on a joint trip along the Neisse River to trace the region’s history – to mark the 35th anniversary of the German-Polish Neighbourhood Agreement. This patronage highlights the importance of German-Polish exchange for the border region and for Europe.

---

Message from Minister-President Kretschmer

in support of the ‘35 Bridges – 35 Years of the Neighbourhood Agreement’ project

“Cycling frees the mind, lowers blood pressure and opens your eyes to the many beautiful aspects of our homeland. The ‘35 Bridges – 35 Years of the Neighbourhood Agreement’ cycle tour runs along the border rivers, the Neisse and the Oder, from Zittau to Forst, crossing bridges which connect people from Germany and Poland again and again. Not last but not least, the bridges in Bad Muskau, which link the German and Polish parts of the binational UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fürst-Pückler-Park.

With plenty of kilometres under your wheels and your mind thoroughly refreshed, you’ll be exposed to both German and Polish perspectives on 35 years of neighbouring relations. As someone who has had the privilege of helping to shape these relations for many years, I can say: It is a good neighbourhood. It is sustained by many people who, quite naturally, see themselves not only as Germans and Poles but also as Europeans.

I think the people you meet along the cycle route will confirm this: a good neighbourhood flourishes when people confront their own history and understand what led to destruction and injustice, and what has contributed to the region’s prosperity.

In this spirit, a network of civil society contacts and projects has developed over the past 35 years, turning our German-Polish border region into a thriving area at the heart of Europe. First and foremost, we have done ourselves a favour. And the benefit extends to the whole of Europe.

My heartfelt thanks go to Kultur Aktiv e.V. and all its partners in Germany and Poland, who make it possible to literally experience German-Polish neighbourliness. I wish all participants fair travel weather, interesting conversations and a fresh perspective on our homeland in the heart of Europe, connected by so many bridges.”

Michael Kretschmer

---