In the interest of intensifying defence cooperation between the two countries, Hungary is going to open a Military Attaché Office in Zagreb, Croatia, Hungarian Minister of Defence István Simicskó announced on Friday, 29 April in Budapest. He added that the Croatian military attaché is also expected to visit Budapest.
The defence ministers of the two countries, István Simicskó and Josip Buljevic met on Friday morning to discuss the possibilities for strengthening bilateral cooperation. At a press briefing held after the meeting, István Simicskó said that they had discussed joint training courses, further education and military exercises. For example, Croatian officers are invited to attend the General Staff course at the National University of Public Service Faculty of Military Science and Officer Training. The two countries also intend to intensify their cooperation in the NATO Integrated Air Defence System (NATINADS).
Besides addressing military issues, the defence ministers also discussed historical and cultural connections between the two nations. István Simicskó stated that his Croatian counterpart expressed openness to erect a memorial plaque in Mirogoj cemetery, Zagreb in the near future, to mark the centenary of the First World War, as a tribute to the fallen heroes.
The two ministers reviewed today’s security challenges, with special regard to the issue of migration. They agreed that it would be “naivety” to handle this situation exclusively as a humanitarian crisis, because it also has cultural, civilizational and security risks, István Simicskó said. In this regard, cooperation is necessary for both countries and nations, and the defence ministers of the two countries are both committed to continue it into the future, he added, noting that they also agreed that the protection of the Greek–Macedonian border is of strategic significance, so both countries must contribute to its reinforcement. In answer to a question, István Simicskó told the press that the situation is currently stable on the Hungarian–Croatian border, and the greatest migration pressure is still on the Hungarian–Serbian border section.
Josip Buljevic stated that both sides are doing their best to eliminate the causes for building a fence between the two countries. In answer to a question, he spoke about the development plans of the Croatian armed forces. By way of example, he emphasized that they intend to procure such American helicopters that may provide substantial assistance with reconnaissance as well as border surveillance and protection.
Speaking about the discussion with István Simicskó, the Croatian minister said that there was general consensus between them about the security and military issues relating to the two countries, Europe and NATO. Josip Buljevic pointed out that Croatia attaches strategic importance to strengthening relations with Hungary in all fields, not only in military matters. As an example, he also mentioned the importance of cultural cooperation, which has now become a topical issue due to the upcoming anniversary of the Battle of Szigetvár.