M. Glváč: Defence Cooperation within V4 Viewed as Highly Dynamic

“Cooperation among V4 departments of defence is viewed as exceptionally dynamic,” said Minister of Defence of the SR Martin Glváč after the negotiation of heads of defence departments in Visegrad, Hungary, on 14 March. “The fact that three documents laying foundations for closer cooperation in various fields have been signed recently speaks volumes about the intensity of cooperation,” he said. Cooperation should predominantly focus on development of joint capabilities, on exercises, procurement and on the international crisis management.

“As for the joint procurement, we need to harmonize our equipment, which will enable us to achieve major economies of resources,” said Minister Glváč. He extended his thanks with respect to the Hungarian presidency and expressed his belief that during the upcoming Slovak presidency the V4 countries would continue successful cooperation. As stated by the Hungarian Minister of Defence Csaba Hende, one of the most significant cooperation projects is the future joint Visegrad EU Battle Group, which will be in a state of readiness in the first half of 2016. Also the Polish Minister Tomasz Siemoniak and the Head of the Czech Department of Defence Martin Stropnický appreciated the cooperation as highly successful.

Ministers of Defence also commemorated the anniversary of their countries’ accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Heads of V4 defence departments also met with their partners from Central Europe Defence Cooperation Group (CEDC), i.e. with heads of defence departments of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. They addressed the issues of security situation in Ukraine and in the Balkans, the conclusions of the European Council meeting held in December last year, and the incentives of development of defence capabilities within CEDC.