Dr. Csaba Hende’s Talks in Croatia

The two Ministers discussed recent developments in the field of bilateral military relations, some current issues in regional security and cooperation in international operations. Dr. Csaba Hende informed his Croatian partners about the most important goals of Hungary’s EU presidency. Hungary wants to see Croatia joining the European Union as soon as possible, and the accession talks may be completed during Hungary’s EU presidency period, Dr. Csaba Hende said at the Osijek meeting. The Hungarian Defence Minister pointed out that “Hungary is going to support Croatia’s accession to the EU in every forum."

Dr. Csaba Hende praised the military cooperation between Hungary and Croatia, highlighting the joint service in ISAF, Afghanistan. He noted that Hungarian and Croatian troops are doing their tour of duty together at three locations in Afghanistan and carrying out a number of other joint missions in the Western Sahara, the Balkans and other places around the world. By way of example he mentioned cooperation in the field of defence industry as one among many opportunities for expanding the scope of bilateral relations.

Croatian Defence Minister Davor Bozinovic said the meeting was especially important because Hungary is holding the EU presidency in 2011, and Croatia is committed to completing the EU accession talks.
The Croatian Defence Minister talked about the ongoing very effective cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence, pointing out that Hungarian and Croatian troops are working together on some 40 military projects in 2011.