Dr. István Simicskó: The V4 Cooperation can serve as a model for Western Europe

While on an official visit to Slovakia, Dr. István Simicskó discussed with his Slovak counterpart the security challenges posed by migration to Europe, prospective defence cooperation within the V4 grouping and between the two countries, the possibilities of cooperation in the development of the armed forces and the plan of a joint air defence program. “The defence cooperation between Hungary and Slovakia meets high standards, and the cooperation of the V4 countries is exemplary", Dr. István Simicskó stated after the discussions, pointing out that these days, security has immense value in Europe, and thanks to this cooperation and the joint decisions, Hungary and Slovakia rank among the most secure countries on the continent. “Today, Slovakia and Hungary are among Europe’s most secure countries, and that is a huge achievement", Dr. István Simicskó emphasized.

Speaking at a joint press briefing held with his Slovak counterpart, the Hungarian Minister of Defence said that he and Peter Gajdos agreed that today – when “terrorist attacks occur in several cities across Europe on a monthly or weekly basis, and illegal migration may present new threats to the continent" – it is of primary importance that the two countries can guarantee their own security. He added that they also agreed that both sides are committed to further strengthening the V4 cooperation, and also to pursuing and standing up for policies based on values, for which an adequate foundation is provided by their common destiny and values.

In answer to a question from Hungarian news agency MTI, Dr. István Simicskó said that he and his counterpart also discussed the possibilities of joint defence procurements, and cooperation in the field of defence industry. He explained that he can see some opportunities in this connection, for example, in taking joint action in order to achieve some reduction on procurement prices.

Slovak Minister of Defence Peter Gajdos said that the topics on the agenda included a common air defence program, whose bilateral agreement is currently being drafted, and its review process is expected to be completed by the end of February so that the agreement can be finalized until the end of March.

honvedelem.hu

Photo: Tünde Rácz