President Áder Expresses Thanks to Hungarian Soldiers Serving in Bosnia

Hungary owes a debt of recognition and gratitude to members of the Hungarian EUFOR contingent and Hungarian soldiers serving in NATO forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, President János Áder said on Tuesday.

Addressing a meeting, the president praised them for enhancing the reputation of Hungary by performing their duties stemming from Hungary’s NATO membership, involvement in NATO missions and participation in EU actions on high standard.

Hungarian soldiers involved in construction projects, transportation, reconnaissance, peacekeeping, prevention of conflicts, training in mentoring are enhancing Hungary’s reputation and prestige immediately and in the long term, he said.

The president praised the Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina for its ability to adapt itself year by year to historical challenges, pending the situation of the region, including the aggravation or easing of ethnic tensions or migration pressure.

Áder emphasised that military forces are indispensable for keeping peace and fighting effectively against the coronavirus pandemic.

Brigadier-General Szilárd Gerőfi, EUFOR chief of staff, said that the 168-strong Hungarian mission, the second biggest one in Bosnia and Herzegovina, would spare no effort to guarantee Bosnia and Herzegovina’s peace and stability which he said could only be based on cooperation and mutual benefits.

President Ader is paying a one-day official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the morning he had a meeting with commanders at the Sarajevo headquarters of EUFOR and NATO. In the afternoon, he is scheduled to hold talks with members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The president is accompanied by Defence Minister Tibor Benkő and Lieutenant-General Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, commander of the Hungarian Armed Forces.

featured image via Noémi Bruzák/MTI