Stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina is of national interest for Hungary, and it will keep the number of troops in that country level, Minister of Defence Csaba Hende told Hungarian News Agency MTI in Sarajevo on Thursday.

The camp saluted Minister Hende, Hungarian Ambassador to Sarajevo József Pandur and members of the delegation with military honours. If there is no order and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina this will affect Hungary, too, the Minister said. He mentioned as examples the problems of refugees, drug and human trafficking and organised crime, which can cross borders. He said it was cheaper and more effective to treat the cause than to deal with dangers once they are more spread out.

Hungary’s strategic goal is to see all Balkan countries join the Euroatlantic organisations, as this could ensure stability in the region. Hungarian peace-keepers have served in missions in the western Balkans since 1995.
Currently, the Hungarian army provides nearly 400 troops to NATO and EU-led operations, at present, nearly 160 troops serve in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Csaba Hende met EUFOR commander Dieter Heidecker and NATO commander Merle D. Hart, who both spoke highly of the Hungarian team’s service. The Minister will travel to Kosovo on Friday and visit the KFOR headquarters and soldiers stationed there.

(Ministry of Defence)