Hungarian Contingent Rotates in Sarajevo

The 21st rotation of the HDF EUFOR Contingent (EUFOR-21 HUNCON) – drawn mainly from the personnel of the HDF 12th Arrabona SAM Regiment – is about to commence a six-month-tour in Sarajevo. Following a one-year standby period in Hungary, the maneuver company of the EUFOR Multinational Battalion now takes over responsibilities from Austria in Bosnia-Herzegovina, so it is going to participate in the tasks executed by EUFOR with full strength.

Following the commanders’ signing the record of transfer, at a ceremonial staff meeting the flag of the HDF 43rd Nagysándor József Signal and Command Support Regiment was replaced with that of the SAM Regiment, which, from now on, flies beside the flags of the European Union and Hungary. Hungary’s ambassador accredited to Bosnia-Herzegovina József Négyesi, EUFOR Chief of Staff and Senior National Representative Brig.-Gen. József Szpisják, NATO Headquarters Sarajevo Chief of Staff Col. Ferenc Könczöl and Hungary’s military, defence and air attaché Lt.-Col. László Hajas honored the event with their presence.

General Szpisják started his speech by describing the main task of the EUFOR-21 HUNCON. As pointed out, in Bosnia-Herzegovina there are 16 mutually independent organizations responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment. Exercise Quick Response 2017, to be conducted in this October, will provide opportunities for practicing real cooperation with security forces. Another main task is to contribute to the capacity-building of the armed forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina (AFBiH), which is to be implemented, among others, through joint training and the involvement of mobile training teams. The general asked all members of the contingent to respect and assist the soldiers of the AFBiH during joint training activities. He called attention to the fact that in the eyes of the internal security forces, the AFBiH and the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the soldiers of the contingent represent Hungary in a narrow sense; and in a wider sense, the European Union whose flag is flying beside those of the Arrabona Regiment and Hungary. He asked everybody to share the sense of responsibility that goes with it, and to accomplish their tasks accordingly.

Finally, General Szipsják thanked outgoing contingent commander Lt.-Col. István Megtért for the work of the EUFOR-20 HUNCON performed to high professional standards, and told Lt.-Col. János Stoszek – the commander of the new contingent – that he expects them to strengthen the reputation of Hungary and the Hungarian Defence Forces through their exemplary conduct and discipline.

Photo: HDF EUFOR Contingent