Hungarian defence minister: Chad security vitally important

Chad is the only stable state in the Sahel, and it can be seen as “an exporter of stability” in the region, the defence minister said, adding that its security was of special importance to Europe and Hungary.

After talks with counterpart Dago Yacouba, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the fact that Yacouba’s first visit abroad since he entered office took him to Hungary showed that both countries considered cooperation as a matter of strategic importance.

The ministers signed an agreement on military cooperation prior to the press conference.

The Hungarian government is determined that problems must be resolved where they arise, and has therefore decided to play an active role in preserving Chad’s stability, he said. As part of a complex support package,

a mission of 200 soldiers will be sent to Chad.

They will offer training and mentoring to the Chad army in the fight against terrorism, and with a view to reducing illegal migration, he added.

Hungary will play special attention to EU participation in the Sahel during its presidency of the European Union Council.

Yacouba said developments in the Sahel had an effect on world peace, and Chad needed help from the EU, Hungary and Africa in order to cope with numerous challenges such as terrorism, smuggling and illegal migration. Cooperation between Chad and Hungary is crucial for establishing peace, he added.

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