Hungary is one of the safest countries in the world these days
Szöveg: honvedelem.hu / MTI | 2017. november 10. 10:02Speaking in Brussels on Thursday, Minister of Defence Dr. István Simicskó stated that “these days Hungary is one of the safest countries in the world, thanks to the policy it is pursuing to defend its borders and those of Europe, and it is able to guarantee internal security as well”.
Dr. István Simicskó pointed out that due to the security situation in Afghanistan, supporting the stability of that country is of key importance.
As the previously planned troop withdrawals could create a critical situation, the participants of the Thursday meeting in Brussels made a decision that NATO will strengthen its presence in Afghanistan in order to put an end to illegal migration and the terrorism leading to it, the Minister reaffirmed.
Hungary will contribute 100 troops to the work of the coalition in Afghanistan, and will examine the possibility of a potential 10-15 per cent expansion. Hungary is currently participating with altogether around 1000 military personnel in UN-, EU and NATO-led operations, and, compared to its size, through its contributions it occupies a prominent place in international work, the Minister of Defence pointed out.
At their two-day meeting, NATO defence ministers agreed that NATO will increase the number of troops stationed in Afghanistan from 13,000 to 16,000. Furthermore, the ministers also agreed on the creation of a new center specialized in countering cyber attacks, which will strengthen the possibilities of global cyber defence. Cyber security has thus become an independent operational area among NATO’s missions.
Finally, the ministers gave their support to the establishment of two new commands that will assist the communication between America and Europe, and will ensure movement of troops and military equipment across the Atlantic and in Europe in the event of potential aggression threatening Europe.
On the margins of the ministerial meeting – together with British Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson and Finnish Defence Minister Jussi Niinistö – Dr. István Simicskó signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Air-to-ground Precision Guided Munition (Air PGM MoU), which had earlier been signed by nine Allies. Joining this cooperation can open up more cost-effective procurement possibilities, the partners will help each other in case of shortage of national supplies, and it will facilitate the conduct of joint training events.
Photo: nato.int
