The United Kingdom is an important supporter of European security, and we must therefore support their involvement in the efforts which seek to maintain Europe’s security also in the future, Dr Tibor Benkő, Hungary’s Defence Minister said in London after he met with British Secretary of State for Defence Penny Mordaunt on Wednesday, 17 July.

The ministers signed a bilateral cooperation document which relies on the results of dynamically developing political relations between Hungary and the United Kingdom. The goal was to strengthen defence policy and military relations, with the emphasis on finding forms of cooperation even amidst the changed circumstances that will emerge after the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

As part of a working lunch held before his meeting with his British counterpart, the Minister had talks with the Deputy Leader of the House of Lords for defence affairs where they discussed such topical security challenges as hybrid threats and the challenges of cyber warfare. The Minister highlighted that Hungary is located at the crossroads of “Eastern and Southern challenges,” and therefore the development of our defence capabilities based on our own resources as well as on NATO and EU cooperation is an extremely important issue.

After the working lunch, Mr Benkő said that due to Europe’s deteriorating security environment, collective defence has become a chief priority again. We are living in an era of strategic surprises where security challenges are becoming ever more complex and diverse. After a decrease for twenty years, the defence expenditures of NATO Member States are rising again. These guarantee the development of capabilities, and the security of Hungary and the Hungarian people.

Hungary has agreed to raise its share of the alliance’s efforts gradually, as planned, and defend expenditures could reach 2 per cent of GDP before 2024, the Minister said.

After the meeting with the Secretary of State, the parties also spoke about the reservist and cadet systems of the British defence forces.

As the chief item on the agenda of the visit, Defence Minister Tibor Benkő and British Secretary of State for Defence Penny Mordaunt signed a declaration of intent, the purpose of which is to further strengthen defence policy and military relations. After the signing of the document, the Hungarian Defence Minister said relations with the United Kingdom – which has significant European and global influence – are of the utmost importance for Hungary. “Britain is not only a cornerstone of Transatlantic security (NATO), but is also an important supporter of European security which contributes to the strengthening of the EU’s global presence. The security of the EU and that of the United Kingdom are intrinsically linked,” the Minister added.

Mr Benkő highlighted that, with the signing of the document, the defence ministers of the two countries affirmed their faith in commitment to common security and the development of relations. “I sincerely believe that it is right to talk sincerely about the values and interests that are important for us as this is the way to find common ground, based on which we can further improve relations between our countries,” he said.

The Defence Minister added that he was certain that there were a great many opportunities for the development of defence policy and military cooperation and relations between the two countries, and during the period ahead experts of the ministries will have to work hard to fill this document with tangible content and actual results. While Hungary accepts with regret that the United Kingdom is leaving the EU, it fully respects the decision of the British people. This is yet another important reason why we should pay even more attention to the strengthening of relations between our countries also during the period ahead, the Minister said.

(Ministry of Defence/MTI)