Ministers discuss Croatian-Hungarian defence cooperation

The defence ministers of Hungary and Croatia discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on Wednesday.

Hungary and Croatia are among the safest countries thanks to their soldiers and effective cooperation between them, which should be maintained and further improved, Hungary’s István Simicskó told a press conference after a meeting with his counterpart.

He said he was in agreement with counterpart Damir Krsticevic that defence relations between their respective countries were excellent.

The two countries have been participating in an increasing number of military exercises and they also plan a joint exercise, he added.

A decision has been made to sign three agreements in the near future: on airspace policing, air rescue and radar data exchange. Additionally, a joint working team will be set up in the defence sector, Simicskó said.

Another topic at the meeting was the recently initiated Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in the European Union which is supported by both Hungary and Croatia, he said.

Among the challenges currently facing Europe, mass migration and the accompanying threat of terrorism were discussed, as well as the issue of identity, Simicskó added.

The ministers agreed to review the progress of defence cooperation every six months.

Featured image: MTI

Source: MTI