The Montenegrin Minister of Defence Paid a Visit to Hungary

The Minister emphasised that for Hungary it is a priority that the countries of the Western Balkans join the Euro-Atlantic zone, because this also serves stability. Hungary therefore supported Montenegro’s accession to NATO, and that it can become an EU member as soon as possible.

Tibor Benkő said that they plan the strengthening of the military-to-military co-operation between the two countries in performing trainings, preparations, education, joint exercises and joint missions. The Minister drew attention to the fact that for the maintenance of the security in the Western Balkans it is not enough to station peacekeepers in Kosovo and in Bosnia and Herzegovina for example, but we have to understand the political processes taking place in these countries and in Serbia.

Predrag Bošković pointed out that several such issues were addressed during the discussion, about which they think the same both on local and on global level. These include the security of the Western Balkans, and the protection against illegal migration. In relation to the latter, you can learn a lot from Hungary – he added. He highlighted that the armies of the two nations have always been on good terms with each other, moreover they are in the same boat at present, as both are being modernised.

The Minister thanked for the active support of Hungary to Montenegro’s accession to NATO, and the efforts made for the promotion of the EU membership for Montenegro. The good relationship of the two countries is reflected in the excellent co-operation of the defence ministries: they take part jointly in several NATO missions, such as in Afghanistan or in Kosovo. “Montenegro is now and will remain in the future a true friend of Hungary, and we represent also in Europe the position, which focuses on the common interests" – the Minister stressed.

The Minister of Defence received his Montenegrin colleague on Heroes’ Square with a military parade before the talks, and Predrag Bošković laid a wreath at the Monument of National Heroes. After the talks, the Montenegrin Minister visited the MoD Military History Institute and Museum.

Photos of W.O. Lajos Szabó and Zoltán Tischler