Hungarian Chief of Defence Visits Macedonia
Szöveg: General Staff | 2016. május 6. 9:00The security situation of the Balkan region, the impact of the migrant crisis on security and the possibilities for further development of military-to-military relations were the main topics of a visit to Macedonia by Hungarian Chief of Defence Gen. Dr. Tibor Benkő, who travelled to Skopje on Wednesday, 4 May at the invitation of Lt.-Gen. Metodija Velickovski, Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia.
After his arrival and a welcome ceremony with full military honors, Gen. Tibor Benkő conducted closed-door talks with his Macedonian counterpart, and then with Macedonian Minister of Defence Zoran Jolevski. In what followed, a plenary discussion took place between the two chiefs of defence. Hungary’s ambassador to Macedonia Dr. József Bencze also participated in the meetings.
At the plenary session, the two sides exchanged views on the current security situation of the region, some topical issues of the Macedonian military and its future directions. The discussions focused on the impact of the migrant crisis on security and the responses given to it as well as on the exchange of experience. In addition, the participants explored the possibilities for further development of military-to-military relations, including the scope of cooperation in training.
President of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov received Gen. Tibor Benkő on a courtesy call in his office, and the two exchanged views on Macedonia’s accession to NATO, its role in the migrant crisis and the security situation of the Balkans. The Macedonian president praised Hungary’s and the Hungarian soldiers’ outstanding resolve in handling the migrant crisis. Afterwards, the emphasis shifted to developing strategic partnership and sharing information concerning the migrant crisis.
During the discussions, Gen. Tibor Benkő expressed appreciation to the members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia for their role in handling the migrant crisis. Through their efforts, they have contributed not only to Macedonia’s national interests but also to the security of the whole European community.
On the second day of the visit, the members of the Hungarian delegation are going to witness a live fire exercise of the Macedonian armed forces in the Krivolak military training area, and then travel to Bogorodica border crossing point to get an update on the security situation and to meet the soldiers of the Macedonian military on duty.
Photo: General Staff
