As a highlighted program in his visit to the United States, on 12 October Minister of Defence István Simicskó held a working discussion with Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert. O. Work in the Pentagon. At the meeting, the two discussed, among other topics, the ways of further developing the already excellent military-to-military relations and strengthening cooperation in joint training events and exercises.
During the discussion held in the US Department of Defense, Mr. Simicskó called the United States a strategic partner of special importance, and said that “International terrorism makes its presence felt in Europe. Because of the migration crisis situation, the United States needs Europe as much as Europe needs the USA”.
At the meeting, the minister of defence informed his American partner about the essential elements in a package of amendments to the Fundamental Law of Hungary, which is necessitated by the new types of challenges and has been approved to authorize the government to take measures against international terrorism in the country. During the discussions, he also emphasized the importance of a set of tasks that the changes to the law assign to the Ministry of Defence.
Mr. Simicskó added that “On the Hungarian side, we reaffirmed our engagement in foreign missions and continuing commitment to giving proper responses to the current security challenges. Both in the conduct of operations declared by NATO and coalition operations, in proportion to its size, armed forces and economic capacity, Hungary contributes a significant number of troops to foreign missions.”
As a stable and reliable ally, our country remains committed to strengthening and developing our transatlantic relations and military cooperation with America.
During the discussion, Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work welcomed and recognized Hungary’s efforts to further strengthen transatlantic relations, increase its defence budget and counter international terrorism. The American side applauded the increase in Hungary’s defence budget, which, according to plans, will approximate two per cent of the GDP by 2026.
Further topics of the meeting included the possible strategic directions in developing the Hungarian Defence Forces and their modernization.
While at the Pentagon, Mr. Simicskó also held a discussion with Gen. Joseph Lengyel, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. As a member of the delegation, Deputy Chief of Defence Lt.-Gen. Dr. Zoltán Orosz also attended the meeting.