One of the reasons why there is peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is that you are here, Defence Minister Tibor Benkő told members of the Hungarian contingent on 9 December, Monday in Camp Butmir in Sarajevo. During the visit, the Minister had talks with the commanders of Operation Eufor Althea and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo (NHQ SA).
Defence Minister Tibor Benkő paid a year-end visit to Hungarian soldiers serving in the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. The main purpose of the visit was for the Defence Minister and the deputy commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces to express their gratitude, with the advent of the Christmas holidays, to Hungarian soldiers for the self-sacrificing efforts they are making to preserve security in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as in the region.
Ambassador Krisztián Pósa, Defence Attaché Lt. Colonel László Hajas, EUFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General László Szabó, Senior National Representative, NHQ SA Chief of Staff Colonel Antal Bárdos, Senior National Representative, and EUFOR Contingent Commander Lt. Colonel Gábor Tamás provided comprehensive information for the delegation regarding the political and migration situation in the Western Balkans countries.
The head of the Defence Ministry then had talks with Major General Reinhard Trischak, Commander of the Eufor Althea Mission, as part of which they reviewed the security situation of the Western Balkans region and the country. Mr Benkő said Hungary has a vested interest in the stability of the Western Balkans. The successful Euro-Atlantic integration of the region is the chief means for resolving the problems affecting the region, and therefore Hungary is ready to support the promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession aspirations. They agreed that there is still a great deal to be done in the interest of guaranteeing stability and security. The Major General added that the migration situation that has evolved in the region is a warning for everyone. At the same time he spoke in words of praise about the work of Hungarian peacekeeping officers.
The Minister also had talks with Brigadier General Marti J. Bissell about NATO’s tasks concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina. The parties agreed that peace in the Western Balkans is fragile, and enhancing national capabilities in the region is essential. The Brigadier General highlighted that Hungarian soldiers are recognised also internationally, and perform their duties to high standards.
The Western Balkans region is key to the security of Europe and Hungary, and this is one of the reasons why the government supports the EU and NATO accession aspirations of countries of the region. He mentioned that Hungary is also seeking to help the region’s countries under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe; for instance, it is ready to support a weapons and ammunition disposal programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Defence Minister said Hungary agrees that NATO must adapt to new types of challenges such as terrorism, and needs new means in order to find the right answers to these challenges. He highlighted that in the spirit of this concept Hungary is making further commitments, thereby ensuring that in the future NATO will be further strengthened in the fight against terrorism.
In conclusion of the meeting, Mr Benkő conferred upon General Bissell the Medal of Merit for Alliance in recognition of her work at the end of her service as commander.
At the staff meeting held after the talks, the Defence Minister addressed the staff serving on the mission, highlighting that the presence of Hungarian soldiers is essential for maintaining the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In his speech, he pointed out that their presence makes an exemplary contribution to the success of the EUFOR mission. This must be maintained in the future as well, and therefore the Ministry makes every effort day after day to ensure that all the conditions for a successful mission should exist, he added.
He also said it is the government’s goal to create a modern and efficient defence force comprising soldiers who are committed to their country; a defence force which is the equal of the armed forces of any nation in the region. The Minister pointed out that in order to increase efficiency, the army needs adequate equipment and fittings both within and outside our country’s borders. He informed the attending soldiers about the government’s measures seeking to reinforce the army, the planned pay rises and the transformation of the system of housing grants, and rendered a detailed account of the results achieved so far in the development of military capabilities. To implement this programme, we need excellent cooperation with the government and a shared vision, the Minister stressed, taking the view that technical developments on their own, without well-prepared, highly trained and committed soldiers, are not enough for creating an efficient defence force. He said therefore the knowledge and experience obtained in international peacekeeping missions are essential for defending the motherland as participation in operations also enhances the operational capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces. Mr Benkő said we are grateful for the self-sacrificing service they are rendering in order to further the stability of the Balkans region, and at the same time in the interest of our country’s security.
After the staff meeting, the Defence Minister and Brigadier General Gábor Böröndi, Deputy Commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces handed over presents to soldiers serving on the mission.
(MTI)
