The road leading to sustainable peace

On the first day of the two-day visit, after a discussion with his Bosnian counterpart, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky recalled that he had already met with Defence Minister Zukan Helez for the third time this year, which well shows that the relations between the two countries are living and close. “The safety of Hungarian people does not start at our borders but beyond them. This is why we attach special significance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, this beautiful country with which we have been cooperating for centuries in terms of history, culture, economy and all other ways” – pointed out the minister of defence.

Hungary is currently holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union, so it is highly significant to us that Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries of the Western Balkans are admitted into the European Union as soon as possible, since this can guarantee their prosperity and the security of the region” – underlined Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.

Speaking at a press conference after the discussion, Defence Minister Zukan Helez pointed out that the role of the EUFOR mission has a key role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it guarantees peace and security. He said that the Hungarian commander’s year had seen the further strengthening of cooperation between the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the personnel of the mission. Zukan Helez pointed out that the two sides at the meeting discussed the Middle East conflict, which has fundamentally changed the security environment, as well as the Russo-Ukrainian War, about which the two countries share a common position: the war must be brought to an end.

General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff emphasized that over the last one year, the Hungarian Defence Forces not only spoke about the security of the Western Balkans but by contributing a commander and troops, we have demonstrated our readiness to lead the operation.

“This year General Sticz has led some 1,500 troops in this region, which is an outstanding engagement. In addition to our infantrymen and various support elements, the helicopter capability of the EUFOR Aviation Detachment has given color to the mission, as currently one of the new assets of the Hungarian Defence Forces, the H225M helicopters are serving in EUFOR” – said the general.

The day closed with a gala evening held on the occasion of the jubilee anniversary, opened by Major General László Sticz’s words of welcome. “Forward, Onward, Together. I’m convinced that this motto reflects not only the essence of EUFOR’s road of two decades, but also a common vision we have about the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina – a future that is solidly embedded in the European family” – said the COMEUFOR.

“Over the years, EUFOR’s role has progressed from immediate peacekeeping to strengthening the role assumed by local authorities, since the mission realized it early on that sustainable peace can only be created from within. The steps taken in the last 20 years – including the transfer of military control to local authorities and the promotion of institutional cooperation – have created the basis of a nicer future. Forward, Onward, Together – this is not only a slogan: this is a promise. A promise of going down this road hand in hand toward a Bosnia and Herzegovina that lives in peace, flourishes and is a full-fledged member of the European Union” – emphasized the major general.

In his welcome speech, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky recalled that the EUFOR “is a mission that fully exemplifies successful multinational military cooperation. During the last two decades, this operation has served not only the sustainment of peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also demonstrated the power of cooperation among the participating nations.

The minister of defence pointed out that since the establishment of the mission, Europe has had to tackle numerous challenges such as the 2015 migration crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the war raging in our neighborhood. “Despite these trials of strength, one thing remains constant: the unwavering commitment of the participating nations to working together for the defence of Europe and the security of the region, as the stability of the Western Balkans region is vital to the security of the entire continent. For this reason, Hungary continues to commit itself to promoting the peace, security and development of the region” – this was how Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky finished his speech.