Hungarian Defence Minister praises special forces’ NATO cooperation

Hungary’s government is proud of the country’s special forces and their contribution to NATO as well as regional security, the defence minister said in Budapest on Thursday.

Speaking at the closing day of the GSOF Symposium Europe, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the security situation had deteriorated in the region, due to challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic, illegal migration and the war in Ukraine.

For those reasons, the minister said he had instructed the leader of the Armed Forces to step up readiness.

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The Armed Forces served in hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic, the minister noted, while also fighting illegal migration on the southern border. By now, many countries have followed in Hungary’s footsteps in combatting illegal migration, he added.

The government is also committed to ensuring stability in the Western Balkans, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said. The Hungarian contingent is the third largest in NATO’s Kosovo mission, and Hungarians also serve in the EUFOR mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, he said.

Hungarian Gripen fighter jets are also contributing to the air defence of the Baltic countries, he said.

He welcomed the government’s decision to launch an Armed Forces development programme.

GSOF Symposium Europe is held annually for international military and governmental players in special forces. The event was held between October 4 and 6.