German-Hungarian Cooperation Revived

“Hungary has returned to both NATO and the European Union,” Boris Pistorius emphasized at a press conference held after the plenary session of ministers, adding that cooperation between the two countries is also becoming closer once again. “Military cooperation has been satisfactory in recent years; we would like to build on this foundation and continue to develop it. To this end, we have identified numerous potential areas for further cooperation, including training, logistics, and joint exercises. In addition, we would like to strengthen the exchange of expertise regarding our military equipment, specifically the PzH2000 self-propelled howitzers and the Leopard tank family,” highlighted the German Defence Minister.

Boris Pistorius explained that Russia poses an increasing threat to the peace order that Europe has built over decades. “It is particularly important today that we stand together: we must respond to provocations calmly, in coordination with one another, and without contributing to escalation. Together, we have the resources, capabilities, and commitment to defend the Alliance and ensure deterrence,” the Defence Minister added. At the end of his statement, he recalled: “Neither peace nor democracy is guaranteed or self-evident; 72 percent of the world’s population lives under authoritarian regimes. However, as the example of Hungary shows, democracy can be rebuilt and strengthened.”

“It is an honour that the German Defence Minister is visiting our country, because it would be pointless for us to say that ‘Hungary has returned’ if a nation as large and important as Germany did not accept this. This day shows that Germany views our country as part of Europe. This is particularly significant given that the last time a German Defence Minister visited our country was in 2020,” said Defence Minister Dr Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi at the beginning of his statement.

“Military cooperation has never suffered any setbacks, as our soldiers have been co-deployed throughout the years in various parts of the world, including our country’s training grounds. We began the force development of the Hungarian Defence Forces together. Our German equipment serves as a testament to the excellence of German industry, and the development of our heavy brigade capability – which we have declared to NATO – could not have gotten off the ground without German assistance, either” the Minister of Defence noted. He added that, in addition to the new areas, they will continue joint force development and the programs they have already launched jointly. “Hungary’s defence is based on the strong Hungarian Defence Forces and on North Atlantic and European cooperation,” concluded Dr Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi.