The Hungarian Defence Forces continue to support the stability of the Balkans region and to participate in the mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) told Hungarian News Agency MTI on Friday.

According to the MoD press release, Hungarian military leaders have been appointed since February 1, 2010 as deputy commanders of the EUFOR Althea mission, which supports development in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The fourth one, Brig.-Gen. József Szpisják took over the position of deputy commander on Friday from Brig.-Gen. Péter Ernő Siposs, who has filled it over the last one year.

“Supporting the stability of the Balkans region is a priority in Hungary’s foreign and security policy”, the MoD stressed, adding that the Hungarian Defence Forces are planning to continue to participate in the operation.

The press release says that currently 29 Hungarian soldiers are serving in the area of operations, whereas 118 troops are carrying out their tasks in the area of Hungary as part of the Intermediate Reserve Force.

(MoD Press Office)