New Commander at the Helm of the Hungarian NFIU

Szöveg: Gábor Kálmánfi | 2018. június 28. 15:22

In the future Colonel László Garas will be succeeded by Colonel István Topor as the Commander of NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU), stationing in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. At the handover/takeover ceremony of the Commander’s authority on June 28, István Szabó, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence for Defence Affairs, emphasised that the work ongoing there during the recent years proved that Hungary is a reliable Ally and that the performance of our NATO obligations is a priority task for us.

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At the ceremony held in the Banquet Hall of the HDF Joint Force Command (JFD JFC), István Szabó in his speech emphasised that the NFIU of Hungary is a multinational organisation, which serves the work of the Alliance and Hungary with a highly professional and also internationally recognised expertise. „In the past more than three years we saw such changes, which will certainly have far-reaching and positive consequences. Namely, these changes can be decisive not only in respect of NFIU as a separate unit, but also considering the Hungarian Defence Forces as a whole, because such a capability was created in this place, yet unprecedented in the history of Hungary’s NATO Membership, which – we do hope – will have a significant impact on the development of the national capabilities as well. As a result of the work accomplished, we could build up this organisation from scratch" – said the State Secretary.

István Szabó acknowledging the work of Colonel László Garas, highlighted that the Commander carried out his service on the highest professional standard, and due to this work, it can be stated that the activities of the military organisation carried out so far deserved honour and respect. He added that Colonel István Topor’s, the new Commander’s dedication, human conduct, professional competence shown during his years of service are really an assurance of future successes.

Major General Krzysztof Król, the Deputy Commander of the Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast, HQ MNC NE in his speech underlined that the NFIUs increase security and stability not only in Hungary, but in NATO as a whole. „Each personnel serving in NFIU, should always be quick and ready for action, i.e. 24 hours a day. The Hungarian NFIU is exactly like this. The NATO Force Integration Units at the same time convey the message to the world that the Alliance would like to guarantee peace and security not only in the Baltics, but even on a wider spectrum" – pointed out the Deputy Commander.

Regarding the NFIU stationing in Székesfehérvár, Major General Krzysztof Król took the view that he was right, when he said at the establishment of the unit that the new formation will soon perform work on the same standard, as the more established NFIUs. According to his opinion Col. László Garas performed a superb work as the first Commander; Col. István Topor can take over well-oiled machinery.

„In the nearly two years since my appointment as the Commander of NFIU I had the honour of taking part in the establishment, then conduct of such a body, that is unique both in respect of NATO, and the improvement of the defence capability of Hungary" – underlined Colonel László Garas, who expressed his gratitude for the support received from his superiors, and the leadership of the Town Székesfehérvár.

The succeeding Commander, Colonel István Topor – congratulating on the work of his predecessor – pointed out: NFIU can now ensure vital and smooth links not only between the systems of the two military sides, NATO and the host nation, but due to its intermediary role it also achieved that its relations with the hosting Town of Székesfehérvár deepened, too. „As the new Commander of NFIU, I believe that the organisation has successfully established its system of relations, it developed and confidently applies the procedures, which are necessary for the performance of its basic tasks. This does not mean however, that we can sit back satisfied with what we have done, as we can always set new objectives, there is always such part of the work, which needs some further improvement" – held the Commander.

After the handover-takeover of the NFIU team flag, Lieutenant General János Huszár, the Deputy Chief of the HDF General Staff, Major General Krzysztof Król, and Brigadier General Zoltán Schmidt, the Acting Chief of HDF JFC presented certificates of merit.