Promotion of mutual cooperation, intensification of joint training and exercises for the two countries' armies, Macedonia's NATO membership and the challenges posed by the migrant crisis were in the focus of Wednesday's discussion between Defense Minister Zoran Jolevski and the head of the Hungarian armed forces, General Tibor Benko.
"Macedonia sees an honest friend and supporter in Hungary, particularly when it comes to meeting the country's strategic goals, its NATO and EU accession," Jolevski said after the meeting.
The Macedonian defense minister was exceptionally content from the bilateral cooperation in the area of defense, which also includes intensive meetings at the highest level. In that context, Jolevski pointed to the possibility of using the army centers in Macedonia, i.e. the Krivolak military training area, the Military Academy, the NATO center for public relations, the military medical center and the Center for Pilot Training, the Defense Ministry said in a press release.
In terms of the challenges arising from the migrant crisis, Jolevski voiced gratitude for the support Macedonia receives from Hungary, as well as readiness to determine a joint comprehensive strategy, which is the only way out of the crisis that has spread across the entire continent.
General Benko stressed during the meeting that Hungary and its armed forces are ready to contribute to greater intensification of cooperation with the Macedonian Army.
"We are grateful that Macedonia, the Macedonian Army and the Defense Ministry for everything they have done so far, including the tackling of the migrant crisis. We will continue to be honest supporters of the Army, and the Republic of Macedonia on its road to full-fledged NATO membership. For us, the stability of the Western Balkans is very important. Hungary's position, which in fact is the initiator of the informal group of western Balkan countries that pretend to become NATO members, is that Macedonia has long ago deserved its place as a fully fledged member in the Alliance," Benko said at the meeting.