Montenegro, Hungary discuss defence modernisation, Western Balkan security
Montenegrin Defence Minister Dragan Krapović is paying an official visit to Hungary, where he met with Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi to discuss bilateral defence cooperation, Montenegro's European integration and regional security.
During the meeting, the two ministers confirmed the successful cooperation between their countries in the defence sector and expressed their mutual readiness to further strengthen it, CE Report informs via the Defence Ministry of Montenegro's official Facebook page.
Krapović thanked Hungary for its consistent and continued support for Montenegro's European integration, stressing that maintaining this support is particularly important during the final stage of the country's accession negotiations with the European Union.
He also briefed his Hungarian counterpart on encouraging messages from senior EU officials indicating that Montenegro's EU Accession Treaty could be signed by the summer of 2027.
Discussing defence priorities, Krapović highlighted the continued increase in investment in Montenegro's defence sector, noting that the country is systematically strengthening budgetary support for its defence system in line with its strategic objectives and allied commitments.
He placed particular emphasis on the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Montenegro through ongoing equipment procurement projects, capability development initiatives and plans for further transformation and technological advancement.
The Montenegrin minister also informed the Hungarian side about the participation of Montenegrin Armed Forces personnel in international activities, missions and operations.
The discussions also addressed the importance of maintaining stability in the Western Balkans. Krapović stressed that the European perspective of the region is essential not only for the countries concerned but also for European security as a whole. He underlined that the full EU membership of Western Balkan countries represents a key guarantee of long-term stability and prosperity.
Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi described the meeting as highly important for improving existing cooperation and identifying new opportunities for collaboration in defence and security.
He reaffirmed Hungary's strong support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans, describing Montenegro as a positive example in the region in terms of its commitment to reforms and progress towards EU membership.
Ruszin-Szendi stressed that Montenegro could count on Hungary's support during the final stage of its European integration process, as well as in strengthening its institutional and defence capabilities.
Regarding bilateral defence relations, he noted that Hungary's Ministry of Defence remained open to new joint activities and projects aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the two countries' armed forces and reinforcing allied unity in responding to security challenges affecting the current geopolitical order.
The ministers also exchanged views on Montenegro-Hungary cooperation within the CEDC+ initiative, highlighting the close links between the security of Central Europe and the Western Balkans and their shared contribution to Europe's stability and resilience.
Photo Facebook/ministarstvoodbranecg
