Secretary of State calls for support to strengthen stability in Iraq and the region
Hungary’s Secretary of State for Security and Energy Policy, Péter Sztáray, has underscored the importance of providing continued support to Iraq and the broader region to combat the ongoing threat of terrorism linked to uncontrolled migration.
Speaking in Washington DC following a meeting of the international coalition against the Islamic State, Mr. Sztáray emphasized the real danger posed by terrorism connected to uncontrolled migration, citing a lack of effective measures to counteract it. He noted the success of the coalition in diminishing the Islamic State’s territorial control but warned of the presence of various terrorist groups in the Middle East and Africa.
Acknowledging Iraq’s request for international assistance, the Secretary of State confirmed Hungary’s commitment to maintaining a presence in the region, with Hungarian troops already stationed in Iraq. Additionally, he announced Hungary’s launch of a cooperation program with Chad, encompassing humanitarian, economic, and defense-security initiatives.
In outlining Hungary’s border protection strategy, Péter Sztáray stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism and illegal migration rather than allowing issues to escalate and reach Europe. He highlighted Hungary’s stance on the matter, emphasizing the necessity of directing aid to where it is most needed.
Furthermore, Mr. Sztáray referenced Hungary’s response to the influx of migrants in 2015, demonstrating that uncontrolled migration does not contribute to enhancing security in Europe. The coalition’s joint statement from the US State Department meeting reaffirmed member countries’ commitment to supporting Iraq’s security and development, with a collective pledge to raise USD 394M for liberated regions previously under Islamic State control.
As Hungary continues to actively engage in efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in the region, the country’s cooperation with Iraq and Chad reflects its dedication to addressing critical security challenges and fostering international collaboration.
