Minister of Defence Dr. Tibor Benkő received Georgia’s Ambassador to Budapest Zaal Gogsadze on Monday 21 September to discuss the upcoming meeting between the two countries’ defence ministers.

At the meeting, the Minister said Georgia is one of Hungary’s priority partners in the South Caucasus region. Mr. Benkő emphasised that Hungary always takes a firm stand in support of Georgia’s internationally acknowledged territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty. “Within the framework of military cooperation, we support efforts aimed at establishing the NATO interoperability of Georgia’s armed forces, and are prepared to pass on to the Georgian party our experience with relation to the NATO accession process”, the Minister stated. Mr. Benkő also said that he highly appreciates Georgia’s contribution to NATO operations, and the professionalism and dedication of Georgian soldiers within the Alliance’s various operational roles.

At the meeting of the two countries’ defence ministers in Tbilisi later this week, the parties will be reviewing current security challenges, as well as changes and long-term opportunities relating to defence sector cooperation.

(Ministry of Defence / MTI)