Following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Hungarian Atlantic Council (MAT) held its traditional year-end Advent reception at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The informal gathering welcomed ambassadors and military attachés of NATO member states accredited to Hungary. The guest of honor at the event was Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Hungary’s Minister of Defence.
Dr. Árpád Kovács, Chair of the MAT Supervisory Board, opened the evening by welcoming the guests and expressing his appreciation for the Minister’s presence, calling it an honor and a significant gesture toward the Council. He briefly summarized the Council’s activities over the past year, describing them as both successful and impactful.
Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky then addressed the assembled diplomatic and defense corps, emphasizing that the Government of Hungary believes in strong national military capabilities as a key contribution to the Alliance’s European strength and overall effectiveness. He reiterated Hungary’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces, noting the considerable financial investment made in recent years.
“The future is unpredictable, which is why we must continue the modernization of our armed forces to ensure the protection of Hungary and its citizens,” the Minister stated. He also highlighted the active participation of Hungarian troops in peacekeeping operations, including missions in Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.
The evening concluded with a lively exchange of questions and informal discussions among the guests.
