Speaking in Sarajevo on Tuesday, Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said: “It is especially important in the current era of dangers that international attention is maintained in the Western Balkans to preserve stability, and Hungary continues to play a role in this."
After talks with Zukan Helez, his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky said Hungary had a vested interest in the political and economic stability of south-eastern Europe, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, because it contributes to the security of Hungary and Europe. “We are ready to deepen bilateral military cooperation, including professional meetings and training,” he said. “Our defense ministries are continually working together to strengthen relations,” he added.
He noted that Hungary was going to fulfil the role of European Union president in the second half of this year. “It is among the most important goals that during Hungary’s European Union presidency we highlight the importance of EU enlargement and the strengthening of European defense capabilities,” he added. Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky was scheduled to meet on Tuesday with the heads of the EUFOR Althea peacekeeping mission set up 20 years ago, its Hungarian commander and Hungarian soldiers serving in Bosnia and Herzegovina.