Defence minister praises Hungarian military for crisis response efforts

Hungary’s military has proven that it is able and prepared to hold its own even in a struggle against “an invisible enemy like coronavirus”, the defence minister said at an award ceremony of the Armed Forces of Hungary on Thursday.

The army and the social organisations working with the military aided and protected the public, Tibor Benkő said, adding that without them, Hungary’s defence against the virus would not have been as successful as it had been.

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The soldiers also had to face new challenges like fulfilling their role as hospital commanders, setting up military task forces to oversee strategic companies, disinfecting public institutions or operating hospital entry security, he added.

Benkő said the military’s role in the country’s epidemic response efforts was also important “because society should feel that the soldiers serve the Hungarian people”.

He also said the armed forces would also contribute to the implementation of the government’s economy protection action plan by training 3,000 volunteer reservists.

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Thursday’s ceremony was held to recognise soldiers who were to be awarded on the occasion of the March 15 national holiday and National Defence Day observed on May 21, until those award ceremonies were cancelled due to the epidemic.

Source: MTI