Cooperating with the Neighbors

During 2011 the HUN PRT visited the New Zealand-led province, and at last year’s meeting the troops of the two nations agreed to provide mutual support to each other in the future.

The delegation of the New Zealand PRT which is assigned to the ISAF Regional Command-East (ISAF RC-N) arrived in Camp Pannonia by helicopter. After the official reception, Col. Ruszin informed the guests about the HUN PRT’s composition, structure and tasks. Having made a tour of the camp, the delegation was received by the police chief of Baghlan Province, and its members had discussions with the leader of the provincial shura as well. The New Zealanders offered their assistance and experience, as they had already transferred security responsibilities in Bamyan Province to the local government in 2011. The guests met the troops of the Hungarian–US OMLT deployed at Khilagay forward operating base (FOB), and Col. Shafi, the commander of the ANA 3/2/203 battalion.

At the end of the visit Richard Prendergast said that though they had spent only a short time with the Hungarians, they will always remember the professional work and hospitality of the troops that serve here. He added he was sure that the relations between the two nations can be fruitful not only in Afghanistan but in other joint ventures as well.

In his farewell speech Lt.-Col. Brett Wellington said that as a military leader, he takes pride in having been able to work together with the Hungarian troops. As he noted, through their work, the Hungarians set an example to follow, giving proof of their high professional standards, expertise and strong will. The lieutenant-colonel added that he is willing to go side by side with the Hungarian troops anywhere anytime, no matter how difficult the tasks may be.