Head of State Tamás Sulyok Visits Kosovo

Brave soldiers committed to Hungary and loyal to the homeland unto death are needed, emphasized the president of the republic at the staff meeting of the Hungarian contingent’s soldiers serving in Pristina. He added that committed soldiers are especially appreciated in times when sacrifice, persistence and loyalty are not necessarily considered the greatest values. Here, you are guarding peace, and with this, protecting human lives. Here, you are the guarantors of peace; the stability and calm of this region highly depend on your preparedness, performance and dedicated service, emphasized Tamás Sulyok.

The head of state underlined that the security of the Western Balkans also has a great impact on Hungary’s security; it is definitely in our interest to avoid a security policy challenge in our southern neighbourhood, similar to the one in the east. You not only perform well within KFOR but also prove that Hungarian soldiers are good allies and the soldiers of allied nations can rely on you, said the president of the republic, adding that your preparedness and commitment are universally recognised; and with your service, you also contribute to the Hungarian Defence Forces becoming decisive armed forces in Central Europe. The head of state also mentioned the difficulties required by this profession. He underlined that each sacrifice made by soldiers for the homeland increases the security of their loved ones and communities at home.

The Hungarian head of state and his wife gave Advent presents to soldiers at the event in Camp Novo Selo. The president of the republic told the members of the press that the KFOR mission is especially important to Hungary because the Western Balkans’ security forms the basis for the security of Hungary and Europe. The other reason for his visit was that he had been curious about the wishes, lives and stories of Hungarian soldiers living and serving there. He underlined that living far from the family is a challenge to everyone, but he sees that they perform outstandingly and can be role models to other nations’ soldiers.

In answer to our question, he said that the fact that the president of the republic is the commander-in-chief of the Hungarian Defence Forces is a power defined in the Fundamental Law of Hungary. Hard work is going on here, often in difficult emotional situations, but professionally, which is reassuring to all of us. The head of state underlined that he is proud of being the commander-in-chief of the soldiers. In what follows, Tamás Sulyok paid a courtesy visit to Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of Kosovo, in the Office of the President of Kosovo.