The foreign minister has said that training of staff at the Information Office (IH), Hungary’s civilian intelligence agency focused on intelligence gathering operations primarily abroad, must always reflect and adapt to changing circumstances.
Addressing the inauguration of the IH’s new training center, Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said the impact the novel coronavirus pandemic will have on the world is not yet clear, but what is certain is that “nothing will be the way it was before."
In a recorded audio message, the minister said a new political world order will emerge along with a new global economic competition, adding that this would also boost the significance of civilian intelligence gathering.
The minister said it is clear that global economic competition will intensify and the pecking order will be determined by the amount of jobs countries are able to save and create. One of the most glaring changes in everyday life will be online networking replacing in-person meetings, Minister Szijjártó said, warning that this would also increase the risk of cyberattacks. The minister underlined the need to devote greater attention to uncovering cyber security threats.
Strengthening NATO is also in Hungary’s interest, he said, adding, that the country was constantly increasing its contribution to the alliance. In the coming period, the strongest countries will be the ones that are the most effective in enforcing their national interests, the minister concluded.