Hungary’s defence minister observes military exercise in Austria

Hungarian Defence Minister István Simicskó observed operations held as part of a regional border protection military exercise near Allentsteig, in northern Austria, on Friday. 

The week-long COOPSEC17 exercise organised under the Central European Defence Cooperation programme involved 2,360 troops from Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Slovakia, Croatia and Slovenia attended the event as observers.

Speaking to MTI by phone, Simicskó said the exercise was an excellent opportunity for Hungarian troops to share their experience gained in border protection midst the migrant crisis over the past two years.

He said that as the current president of the Visegrad Four grouping, Hungary aims to organise several similar exercises.

“It is important to show to the EU, Brussels and western Europe how effective our cooperation can be,” he said.

Photo: MTI

Source: MTI