“As a result of close inter-governmental and political cooperation that is based on common values, our intention to also develop our relations within the fields of innovation and defence, in addition to education and training cooperation, has been reinforced”, Minister of Defence Dr. Tibor Benkő said on Friday 7 February after receiving Israel’s Ambassador to Budapest Yacov Hadas-Handelsman for an introductory visit.

Following the meeting, the Minister told reporters that Hungary and Israel profess the same values, according to which both countries are handling the issues of identity, security and sovereignty as priorities, in addition to which they also have a similar view with relation to the main processes occurring in Europe and around the world. He also said that relations between the countries can boast a long history based on historical and social ties, mutual respect and common values.

The Minister and the Ambassador also agreed that the events of recent years in the Middle East are weakening stability in both the short and mid-term. “Terrorism represents a challenge for Israel, while illegal migration poses a challenge for Hungary, and bears with it the danger of terrorism. The international community must undertake a greater role in the fight against terrorism and in action against migration. This is the fundamental conviction of the Visegrád Group (V4) countries”, the Minister added.

“Terrorism and migration are also significantly influencing the security of the Western Balkan countries, which is of primary importance to Hungary”, he said, adding that in his opinion guaranteeing the region’s stability may be achieved through its European and transatlantic integration, which Hungary fully supports.

The Minister also spoke about the fact that reinforcing cooperation within the fields of military technology and the defence industry has been mentioned as a recurrent request at high-level meetings recently.

With relation to this, he told the press that the Ministry of Defence is open to expanding cooperation, and the development of the best possible capabilities is important to Hungary. “We regard the Israeli military as a model, which is in possession of the capabilities that are essential to a country’s defence”, he declared.

“Our goal is to have the region’s best-equipped military by 2030, with a high level of expertise, and with highly prepared and trained soldiers. This is also being served by the Zrinyi Defence and Military Development Programme”, he added.

In closing, the Minister also stated that he had accepted the invitation extended by his Israeli colleague, and according to plans will be visiting Israel in the spring.

(MTI)