Successful Organization Has Done Good To The Image Of Our Country

The Budapest conference of defence ministers concluded without major traffic disturbances, in accordance with the schedule planned in advance, and it has been effective. Even though the future will decide how effective and beneficial the conference has been, it is a fact that Hungary, as the host nation, has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

"This conference has greatly contributed to showing a positive image of Hungary. I believe – and the international press has also reflected this in the reports – that the leading political figures of Europe and the world share this opinion as well" – said Defence Minister Imre Szekeres to the press an hour after the official programmes have ended. Imre Szekeres briefly summarized the topics discussed by NATO members in the past few days.

He mentioned that an important decision was made about ISAF acting more firmly against drugs in Afghanistan in the future, and also against all those who support the rebels. Naturally, he also mentioned the decision according to which member states have to raise the ratio of their land troops’ deployability to 50 percent.

"Based on 2007 data, in the Hungarian Defence Forces this is 28.65 percent. This is a very good ratio; the average is around 15-20 percent in the NATO. By 2011, we would like to achieve 18 percent, and by 2018, 60 percent" – stated Imre Szekeres.

At the press conference we have also learned that the delegations have started to return to Ferihegy Airport in the afternoon, and the last delegation will leave the country tonight.