Hungary has contributed beyond its means to the success of NATO, and wishes to remain a committed ally of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in future.

Speaking at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Washington to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the alliance, at which he will also be concluding the new Hungarian-American defence agreement, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said Hungary can rightly be proud of its contribution, which it has undertaken beyond its means, and with which it has contributed to the functioning of NATO and the realisation of its goals over the past two decades.

Mr. Szijjártó drew attention to the two major security threats that currently exist in the world: mass illegal migration processes, and the increased threat of terrorism that has developed as a result. He underlined that although these represent an increasing security challenge to the world, including Europe, as a committed ally of NATO Hungary is increasing its efforts in the interests of protecting the country and contributing to Europe’s security.

The Minister also reported on the steps made to ensure this, highlighting several measures aimed at modernising the Hungarian army, within the framework of which the country is spending over 20 percent of its defence expenditure on development. He stressed the “strict and determined” protection of borders, adding that Hungary is also providing assistance to the countries of the Western Balkan region in this regard.

Mr. Szijjártó announced that the number of Hungarian military personnel serving abroad in the fight against terrorism will be increased by 200: Budapest is sending 130 new soldiers to Kosovo, where the Hungarian contingent will as a result exceed 500, in addition to which it will also be increasing its contingent stationed in Afghanistan by a further 70 people. As a result, the number of Hungarian soldiers serving in the Asian country and contributing to the performance of NATO and other allied missions will total 1200.

In his speech, the Minister also spoke about the new defence agreement concluded with the United States, which is a “modernised version” of the defence cooperation agreement signed twenty years ago. He also pointed out that security conditions have changed significantly in recent decades, adding that the new defence agreement will contribute to guaranteeing Hungary’s security, and to ensuring that NATO remains the world’s most successful and strongest military alliance in future.

The defence agreement will be signed by Péter Szijjártó and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan. At the meeting in Washington, the parties will be discussing, amongst others, cyber-warfare, the question of terrorists returning home following the defeat of Islamic State territories in Iraq and Syria, and increasing NATO’s role in the fight against terrorism, within the framework of working sessions.

(MTI / kormany.hu)