Helez and Szalay-Bobrovniczky: Hungary supports BiH's Euro-Atlantic path

(Patria) - Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Minister of Defence Zukan Helez, together with his deputies Slaven Galić and Aleksandar Goganović, officially received the Minister of Defence of Hungary, H.E. Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, at the Armed Forces House in Sarajevo on Monday, 2 December 2024.

Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky arrived in Sarajevo on the occasion of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of EUFOR in BiH, and the official meeting with the delegation of the Ministry of Defence of BiH was an opportunity for the interlocutors to discuss important topics.

Minister Helez welcomed Szalay-Bobrovniczky, stating that this was their fourth meeting, and the second official one this calendar year.

„I must admit that I am very happy about this, because our meetings are always open and concrete. Hungary strongly protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their support and encouragement are significant for our country's Euro-Atlantic integrations. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary have no major open issues, but there is certainly room to improve relations, both economically and politically and militarily. Both countries are geographically relatively close, and as such we share political, security, economic and other challenges,“ said Helez.

The meeting participants also discussed the 20-year presence of EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

„The European Union mission, which established the preservation of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the longest-lasting but also the most successful mission within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union. I take this opportunity to thank everyone who, during these 20 years of the Althea mission, protected peace and security in our country,“ emphasised Helez.

Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky thanked for the warm welcome, emphasising that he was pleased with the meeting, which brought important topics and issues to the participants. Furthermore, Szalay-Bobrovniczky stated that Hungary firmly supports BiH on its Euro-Atlantic path.

“I am glad to conclude that our cooperation is on the right track. I am aware that the Armed Forces of BiH celebrated their day on 1 December, and on this occasion I congratulate you. I once again emphasise that Hungary respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH, as well as the Dayton Agreement, and we are your support on the path to the EU. Also, we signed an Agreement on mutual cooperation for this year, and I hope it will be the same for the next,” said Bobrovniczky.

Deputy Galić emphasised during the meeting that the Ministry of Defence of BiH appreciates everything Hungary is doing regarding strengthening the capacities of the Armed Forces of BiH, stating that he expects bilateral cooperation between the two countries to continue to strengthen.

Deputy Goganović emphasised that he shares the opinion of Minister Helez and Deputy Galić regarding cooperation between BiH and Hungary. He added that we live in challenging times, but for now we can confirm that the situation in this part of Europe is stable. He also thanked the EUFOR Althea mission for its cooperation, stating that BiH aspires to EU membership.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of BiH, Lieutenant General Gojko Knežević. After the ministerial meeting, a gala ceremony was held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of EUFOR in BiH, at which Minister Helez also addressed.

The Minister emphasised that it was an honour to speak at such a significant event.

„First of all, I thank the EUFOR Commander, General Laszlo Sticz. 20 years of the EUFOR Althea mission is truly a great jubilee. Peace and security are the most precious and most expensive resource a country has. I am particularly pleased because EUFOR has recognised the importance of the Armed Forces of BiH for the entire society in BiH, as well as for stability and security in this country.

Our armed forces conduct combined and collective training every year in cooperation with EUFOR, and also participate in the annual EUFOR exercise. Dear friends, we are grateful to you that EUFOR has not only strengthened our security but also the capabilities of our armed forces. With the resources we have received, we want to contribute to demining operations in post-war zones, whether in EU, NATO or UN-led operations,“ said Helez.