Military and defence industrial cooperation between Hungary and the United Arab Emirates

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that the signing of a cooperation agreement signals the official start of the coordination of military cooperation between the two countries. Speaking about the possibilities, the minister highlighted the importance of learning about the defence capabilities of the two countries as well as identifying common areas in the fields of research and development and innovation.

“In the age of wars, Hungary is doing all it can for peace. However, because the international communities are increasingly drifting the conflicts towards escalation, the government of Hungary has prioritized the goal of strengthening the defence capability of our country. The agreement signed here may help with achieving that the combat readiness and deterrent capability of the Hungarian Defence Forces – which are equipped with modern military hardware and consist of excellently trained soldiers – are unquestionable and that they can guarantee the security of Hungary, while the defence industry can at once contribute to economic growth as well” – said the minister.

The minister emphasized that strengthening the relations with the United Arab Emirates, a country with determinant economic and military strength in the Gulf region, may complement the Hungarian armed forces development program, be it about military-purpose research and innovation or the manufacturing of military equipment.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky pointed out that as a member of the European Union and NATO, in the interest of broadening defence connectivity, Hungary adopts the position that it is necessary to develop cooperation with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, from counter-terrorism to border protection.

“It will suffice to think of the Russo-Ukrainian War: changes in regional grain production may cause supply problems in the Middle East and North Africa, which may boost illegal migration and raise the terror alert level” – added the minister, pointing out that the United Arab Emirates plays a significant role in countering international terrorism and strengthening the stability of the two regions. “The security of commercial navigation on the Red Sea and the reduction of tensions in the Middle East are equally in the interest of Europe and the Gulf states” – said Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.

Press release by the Ministry of Defence