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The Deputy Minister added that security today no longer depends solely on military capabilities. Mutual trust and personal relationships are just as important, as is the availability of direct channels of communication through which the parties can consult quickly, frankly and effectively, even in crisis.

“The goal of Hungary is clear: we are building strong national defence forces and reliable alliances,” – emphasised László Kürtös.

Speaking about the security situation of the region, the Parliamentary State Secretary emphasised that Europe’s security situation has fundamentally changed: “There is a war in Hungary’s immediate neighbourhood, while instability in the Western Balkans, the Middle East and the Sahel, as well as terrorism, illegal migration and cyber threats all have an impact on our security.”

In this situation, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence, and Hungary is ready to play its part in this – emphasised László Kürtös, adding that Hungary keeps its own interest in mind while also fulfilling its obligations as an ally.

Speaking about the Hungarian Defence Forces, he stated that, in Hungary, soldiers come first, and that they “pay particular attention to their remuneration.” Meanwhile, thanks to force development, the HDF are becoming increasingly modern and combat ready. They meet the requirements of the times, and their modernisation continues.

Speaking about Hungary’s commitment to the Alliance, the Deputy Minister emphasised that, relative to the size of the country’s armed forces, they “take part with exceptionally large contingents” in joint operations.

“Hungarian soldiers serve in the KFOR mission and in EUFOR Operation Althea, our air force has been involved in air policing in Slovakia, Slovenia and the Baltic states, while we continue to monitor security challenges arising from the south. We are part of the Hungary-based multinational NATO Forward Land Forces Battlegroup, and the HQ Multinational Division Centre is a key element in the collective defence of the region and in the cooperation of Allied forces,” said the State Secretary, emphasising that Hungary naturally also plays an active role in decision-making within NATO and the EU, and is ready to seek common agreements on the security challenges ahead.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that they wish to engage in an open, regular and professionally meaningful dialogue with members of the attaché corps. “We do not need to agree on every issue, but we do need to understand each other’s positions and, when it comes to our collective security, be able to count on one another.”

In his reply, Colonel Roland Bartakovics, doyen of the Budapest Military Attaché Corps emphasised that security, stability and peace cannot be taken for granted. “The war against Ukraine has fundamentally altered Europe’s security environment and has once again reminded us of the importance of transatlantic and bilateral ties, allied solidarity and preparedness, and the active cooperation and support of the Alliance’s member states and partner nations, which contribute significantly to strengthening collective defence and security, and further deepen mutual relations and practical cooperation.”

Colonel Bartakovics highlighted that security is based on the ability to defend oneself, on the ability to prevent conflicts, and on “maintaining dialogue and building trust. This is precisely why cooperation between diplomatic and military representatives is so important.”

At the reception following the official program, General Zsolt Sándor, Chief of HDF Defence Staff, emphasised in his toast the importance of maintaining constant communication, “which is vital in this day and age, as we are facing security challenges that are emerging at a faster pace than ever before. That is why, today more than ever, there is a greater need for cooperation, mutual understanding, loyalty and friendship,” General Zsolt Sándor emphasised.