Defence Minister discusses cooperation with Serbian counterpart

The ministers discussed cooperation opportunities between the countries and the ministries.

Hungary has consistently called for a ceasefire and for peace since the war started, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said after the talks. At the same time, this is the first time in the history of both countries when they had to react to changing security situations from the east and the south simultaneously, he said.

Serbia is “the leading country of the Western Balkans”, and the region faces ongoing security threats, Szalay-Bobrovniczky siad. Tensions have escalated between Serbia and Kosovo lately, he noted. Hungary supports Serbia’s EU accession because it would aid the stability of the region, he said.

Hungary has sent troops to the region to improve stability, he said. “Hungary has significant troops in NATO’s mission in Kosovo, and headed the force’s command in the past year,” he said. The commander’s work “in a very precarious time and place” was praised by the Serbian, Kosovan and international communities, he added.

Hungarian troops are also involved in the EU’s mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a Hungarian commander will take over leadership there next year, he added.

The ministers discussed the achievements of Hungarian-Serbian defence cooperation as well as future possibilities in the defence industry, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said.