We are not alone, we are not the only ones who want peace
Text: Ministry of Defence | Photo: Szebáld Szakál | 09:08 June 6, 2023In this turbulent period of the 21st century, there is a need for Georgia’s deeply rooted and rich history and values. Because of our common values in the past and plans for the future, this country is our strategic partner, with which we are working together on further deepening our relations on both bilateral and allied levels, stated Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky in Tbilisi after holding discussions with the Minister of Defence of Georgia on 5 June.
Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that there are many similarities in the histories, cultures and even the geographical features of the two countries. For example, just as Hungary and Georgia were both able to preserve their unique languages and cultures in the midst of the storms of history and politics, our some 1000-year-old Christian traditions also constitute a fundamental and very strong tie, a kind of “common language” between the two countries.
The minister emphasized that the future is built on the past in the case of Hungary and of Georgia alike, and it was in this spirit that he had conducted discussions with Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze.
He pointed out that Georgia plays an important role in the South Caucasus region, and Hungary closely monitors the activities of every actor there, since it attaches outstanding importance to this region.
Our bilateral relations are excellent in the military and defence fields, and the ministers also talked about the ways to further strengthen them. Hungary is participating in the pre-deployment training of Georgian officers preparing for UN-led missions, for example, by providing opportunity for the training of helicopter pilots as well. The possibility of future cooperation in the field of defence industry was also discussed at the meeting, added Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
He noted that Hungary is committed to supporting Georgia’s Euroatlantic aspirations; we are convinced that the country is ready to be granted the candidate member status and will receive its due place in the international system of allies. We assume a role in the NATO–Georgia partnership aimed at strengthening the capabilities and efficiency of the Georgian Defence Forces, and are present in the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) as well, added the minister.
On the occasion of the ministerial visit, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky unveiled a monument to Hungarian soldiers killed in action in the area of Georgia during the Second World War. At the commemorative event, the Minister of Defence said thanks to the government of Georgia for supporting the monument, underscoring that collective work and thinking play an important role in the relations of the two countries regarding not only the future but also the past.
On the occasion of his visit to Georgia, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky was received by former minister of defence of Georgia Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.
