Türkiye is a key and indispensable companion of the EU in areas corresponding to power safety, commerce, regional stability and the battle in opposition to terrorism and unlawful migration, mentioned Hungary‘s protection minister.
During his go to to Türkiye earlier this week, Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky spoke to Anadolu on the strategic stage of Hungarian-Turkish ties, emphasizing protection cooperation as a key component.
He said that ties are additionally being strengthened on the societal stage and reaffirmed Hungary’s dedication to deepening its multidimensional partnership with Türkiye, significantly in safety coverage, power, protection trade, financial system and tradition.
He additionally highlighted that the 2024 Turkish-Hungarian Culture Year has elevated Hungary’s cultural visibility in Türkiye whereas additionally laying the groundwork for financial and political cooperation between the 2 international locations.
“Right in the middle of Europe, Hungary is proud of its Asian cultural roots and its close and friendly relationship with Türkiye, which is also evidenced by the season’s motto: ‘A Century of Friendship and Cooperation.’ The season’s programs provided an opportunity for further dialogue, thus ensuring a further enhancement of the friendly relationship between the two nations,” mentioned Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
-Hungary-Türkiye protection trade cooperation
Addressing Hungary’s protection trade cooperation with Türkiye, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that below the National Defense and Force Development Program, the Hungarian Armed Forces have been modernized with NATO-compatible army gear whereas additionally strengthening the Hungarian protection trade.
Szalay-Bobrovniczky reiterated that Türkiye and Hungary have strengthened the Hungarian Defense Forces with the tactical wheeled armored automobile, recognized in Türkiye as Gidran. He emphasised that the autos function a big image of Turkish-Hungarian protection cooperation.
He highlighted that protection improvements have strengthened cooperation, noting that the Hungarian Defense Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) and its Turkish counterpart, Tubitak, play a central position within the effort, with progress made throughout his go to to Ankara.
-Hussars 23 drill
Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted Türkiye’s participation within the Adaptive Hussars 23 army train in Hungary, the nation’s largest army drill in 30 years, involving 6,000 personnel from 47 organizations and forces from 4 NATO member states.
He emphasised that it examined Hungary’s protection capabilities and introduced {that a} large-scale army drill, Adaptive Hussars 25, shall be held within the fall to additional strengthen Hungary’s army disaster response.
-Russia-Ukraine warfare
Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasised that the Russia-Ukraine warfare isn’t solely a matter of stability and safety however deeply impacts the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia.
He reaffirmed Hungary’s dedication to a peaceable decision whereas prioritizing the security of its residents and Europe.
He additionally highlighted Hungary’s pro-peace stance for the reason that warfare started and expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s contributions to the negotiations.
-Ukraine’s potential NATO membership
Szalay-Bobrovniczky expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s NATO membership, stating that its accession is at present not doable because it might escalate the warfare and threaten international safety.
He famous that the problem will seemingly be a key a part of a political decision and emphasised NATO’s values-based basis.
He additionally asserted that Hungary can not help Ukraine’s membership till the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine are absolutely restored.
– ‘Energy safety is a strategic precedence for European Union’
Regarding claims that Ukraine tried to assault the TurkStream pipeline infrastructure extending to Türkiye, Szalay-Bobrovniczky assessed Hungary’s perspective as follows:
“The Hungarian government views any action threatening the country’s energy security as an attack against Hungarian national sovereignty. Hungary has received energy security guarantees from the European Commission, which is committed to protecting natural gas and oil pipelines. Energy security is a strategic priority for the European Union, with Türkiye playing a key role in oil and gas imports to South-eastern and Central Europe,”
Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasised that Hungary takes this matter severely and sees it as one other testomony to the sturdy Hungarian-Turkish friendship.
-Orban’s mediator position between Europe, US
When requested whether or not Prime Minister Viktor Orban plans to mediate between European international locations and the US, given his early help for US President Donald Trump’s candidacy, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that Hungary persistently defends its nationwide pursuits and values in worldwide boards, contributing to a stronger Europe whereas preserving its sovereignty.
He added that Hungary’s conservative method to home politics can also be influential globally and is being adopted by the brand new US administration.
Szalay-Bobrovniczky additionally said: “Hungary consistently advocates for its national interests and upholds the values of Hungarian society in the international fora, thereby safeguarding its sovereignty while contributing to a stronger Europe,”
“We believe this will have an important impact in European politics as well. Just as ‘America First’ defines Mr Trump’s leadership, the Hungarian government prioritizes the well-being and interests of the Hungarian people above all,” he added.
Source: www.anews.com.tr