Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó had telephone consultations with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Iraq Ibrahim al-Jaafari, and Foreign Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government Falah Mustafa Bakir.

He informed the ministers of foreign affairs that Hungary will send soldiers to join the campaign against Islamic State. At the request of the United States, the soldiers will fulfil security and defence-related tasks in the area of Erbil.

Mr. Szijjártó indicated that military officers, liaison officers and the contingent’s command element can occupy their positions on military bases from the second half of May and, depending on the conclusion of the agreement on their deployment, the contingent itself may be based in the area from around July or August.

Both foreign ministers expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Hungary, and said they will start the necessary preparations.

Mr. Szijjártó agreed with the foreign ministers that he will travel to Iraq soon to negotiate on educational, economic and cultural cooperation, in addition to military cooperation.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)