Hungary, Poland to remain strong military allies, says defence minister

Hungary and Poland are strong military allies and will remain so, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said on Tuesday after talks with Polish counterpart Mariusz Blaszczak in Kielce.

Based on the two countries’ historic alliance and along their common interests and values, relations between Hungary and Poland remain close, strong and effective, the ministry quoted Szalay-Bobrovniczky as saying.

Hungary-Poland military cooperation is excellent under the arrangements of the European Union, NATO and the Visegrad Group, the minister said. Major army development programmes under way in both countries will provide further opportunities for cooperation, he added.

NATO members decided at their Madrid summit to strengthen the alliance’s eastern flank, and Hungary has taken on a big role in this regard, he said.

The minister warned against ignoring the effects of the war in Ukraine on illegal migration, adding that this issue must be kept on the EU and NATO agenda with a view to maintaining regional and global security.

The minister granted an Alliance Award to Poland’s Chief of Staff Rajmund Andrejczak in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. He also attended the opening of the International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce.