A four-member delegation of the Federal Ministry of Defence (Germany) paid a two-day introductory, complimentary visit to the MoD Department for Defence Policy and Planning, on November 15. Brig. Gen. Hans-Werner Wiermann, the Deputy of the German Defence Policy was received by State Secretary for Defence Policy and Planning Péter Siklósi.

The Hungarian delegation was led by Mr. Tas Kelemen, Head of the Department of Defence Policy Planning. Mr. Attila Demkó, the Head of the Defence Planning Department and Col. Eng. István Tóth, the Head of International Organization and Arms Control took part in the talks, as well.
During the discussions the parties exchanged views on the security situation of Ukraine and the Balkans as well as the integration prospects of the Euro-Atlantic states. The members of the Hungarian delegation expressed their hopes to complete Croatia’s accession talks during Hungary’s upcoming EU Presidency. The participants were informed about the objectives concerning the Hungarian EU Presidency. Analysing the new strategic concept of the NATO the participants welcomed the Open Doors Policy. Furthermore the parties discussed Hungary’s participation in missions in Afghanistan and the Balkans. The German party thanked for Hungary’s contribution to ISAF RCN emphasizing the fruitful cooperation in the field of military health care. Moreover they appreciated Hungary’s training support of Afghan Security Forces. The German guests briefed on Germany’s international participation and evaluated the results of ATALANTA operation. The Hungarian hosts intend to intensify relations in the field of training and education. Moreover the Defence Minister’s upcoming official visit to Berlin has also been touched upon. On the whole, the German-Hungarian talks have been conducted in an open, friendly atmosphere.
Translated by Dóra Darnyik