Hungarian–Egyptian defence cooperation may expand
Text: Ministry of Defence | Photo: WO Lajos Szabó | 09:39 January 7, 2022On Thursday, 6 January Defence Minister Dr. Tibor Benkő received in his office H. E. Mohamed El Shinawy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Budapest. At their meeting, besides discussing current security issues, the two sides reviewed the possible areas of defence cooperation between the two countries.
Tibor Benkő emphasized that the present meeting is another opportunity for reviewing defence relations between the two countries and the directions of their development. The minister added that Hungary maintains an open attitude towards strengthening military-to-military relations with the North African country.
The minister of defence said that Egypt is an important partner of Hungary in the Middle East. He pointed out that the security situation of the African country and the stability of the state have significantly improved in recent years; moreover, Egypt undertakes an outstanding role in tackling illegal migration to Europe. The minister of defence added that the heads-of-government-level meeting in last October laid a solid foundation for strengthening cooperation between the V4 countries and Egypt.
Mohamed El Shinawy emphasized that their goal is to make sure that the cooperation between Egypt and Hungary be as successful in the field of defence as it has been in economic and business relations.
Based on a general framework agreement on defence cooperation signed in 2016, there exist multiple forms of ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries. This document provides an adequate basis for developing relations, and both sides have an interest in filling it with further contents.
