Katalin Novák met with Hungarian peacekeepers in Bosnia and Herzegovina-Hercegovinában

Major General László Sticz took over the command of the EUFOR Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the presence of President Novák. 

In her speech delivered at the ceremony, the President of Hungary asked the Hungarian military personnel serving in the mission to be role models, to show that a role in the military means honour, integrity and patriotism. 

Katalin Novák stressed that the wars in the world have drawn attention to the need to defend ourselves as a country, as a nation, even on our own; but that most of all, we must be able to defend ourselves and each other in an alliance. 

There is a need to develop the armed forces, to strengthen and modernise defence capabilities, and to restore the prestige of the Defence Forces, she pointed out. 

Katalin Novák stressed that it is a source of great pride that with Major General Lázló Sticz, the EUFOR Althea mission will have a Hungarian commander. 

According to the Head of State, both Hungary and the world at large have recognised that we must be able to defend ourselves, Katalin Novák pointed out, adding that military capabilities and the modernisation of the national defence forces are assets that have recently appreciated in value. 

The President recalled that the Ministry of Defence's recruitment campaign also aims to strengthen the armed forces, so that more people join the military, also as volunteers, reservists. 

EUFOR Althea is an EU military force made up of contributions from 23 nations. EUFOR's mandate is to support the authorities and official bodies in Bosnia and Herzegovina with all the forces, military power and assets at its disposal.