Ambassador in Washington: Hungary committed to protect NATO’s eastern flank

The Hungarian government’s basic aim is to protect Hungary and its citizens, which also involves protecting NATO’s eastern flank which is especially important in light of the war in Ukraine, the Hungary’s ambassador to the US said in Washington, DC, at an event marking Armed Forces Day.

Szabolcs Takács said on Monday, local time, that Hungary’s approach was also determined by the fact that a large number of ethnic Hungarians were fighting in the Ukrainian army. Hungary’s military attache in Washington, Laszlo Szego, said in front of the representatives of partner countries’ armed forces serving in Washington that Hungary fully supported NATO policies in Ukraine and continued to fulfil all obligations resulting from its membership. NATO is a cornerstone for collective defence, and by improving its own defence capabilities, Hungary is also contributing to NATO’s joint defence system, he said. Hungary will fulfil the NATO requirement to allocate 2 percent of GDP for defence spending this year, he said. Another NATO requirement to spend at least 20 percent of the defence allocation on modernising the army has been met for a long time, he added.

Szego said that the US had been a steady supporter of Hungary’s defence capabilities and he expressed thanks to the Ohio National Guard for its 30-year cooperation and help to improve Hungary’s military capabilities. In the current uncertain and constantly changing defence environment, the Hungarian government and the Hungarian army highly appreciate the cooperation with the US, he said.

Daniel Bischof, Director for Eastern Europe at the US Department of State, said that the US and Hungary were partners and allies. The US greatly appreciates the close partnership involved in defence cooperation and is thankful for the contribution of Hungary’s defence forces to establishing joint security. He added that he was pleased to hear the Hungarian ambassador’s comments on protecting NATO’s eastern flank.