Close Menu
WTX News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Arrests made at protest for Palestine Action in London
    • Jamie Overton replaces Saqib Mahmood in England XI for third ODI
    • Sure! Here’s the text without the site name, category, date, and full stops: “It blew my mind as a kid” TV fans reveal best sci-fi series ever
    • Israel warns Gaza City residents to flee south to humanitarian area
    • Mauricio Pochettino ‘shocked’ by Daniel Levy’s Tottenham exit
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    WTX News
    • Live News
      • US News
      • EU News
      • UK News
      • Politics
      • COVID-19
      • Business
      • Tech zone
    • World news
      • Middle East News
        • UAE News
        • Palestine News
      • Europe
        • Italian News
        • Spanish News
      • Africa news
      • South America
      • North America
      • Asia
    • News Briefings
      • UK News Briefing
      • World News Briefing
      • Live Business News
    • Sports
      • Football News
      • Tennis
      • Women’s Football
    • MY World
      • Climate Change
      • In Review
      • Expose
      • Special Reports
        • Conscience Convoy
        • Rohingya Report
    • Entertainment
      • Insta Talk
      • Royal Family
      • Gaming News
      • TV Shows
      • Streaming
    • Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • Fashion
      • Cooking recipes
      • Luxury
      • Money Saving Expert
    • Travel
      • Culture
      • Holidays
    • Sign Up
      • Log In
    WTX News
    • Live News
    • World news
    • News Briefings
    • Sports
    • MY World
    • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Sign Up
    Home - Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration
    Saudi Arabia Updated:July 27, 2025

    Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration

    By Adnan Hindawi5 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Telegram WhatsApp
    Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration

    Cliff Notes – Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration

    • Historic Meeting: Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents the first official defence dialogue between the two nations, marking a significant step in bilateral relations.
    • Commitment to Collaboration: The discussions between Szalay-Bobrovniczky and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman focused on strengthening military ties and initiating joint training initiatives.
    • Saudi Arabia’s Regional Role: The Hungarian Minister praised Saudi Arabia as a stabilising force in the region and an active mediator in international diplomacy, particularly concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    Riyadh: Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky’s landmark visit to Saudi Arabia marks the first official defence dialogue between the two nations, signalling a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.

    In an exclusive interview with Arab News, the minister emphasised Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a regional stabiliser and commended its proactive approach to diplomacy.

    His discussions with Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman centred on strengthening military ties, launching joint training initiatives, and exploring areas of technological cooperation.

    Both sides expressed a shared commitment to advancing defence collaboration and formalising their partnership through a strategic memorandum of understanding.

    Visit Objective

    This visit is historic — it marks the first official meeting between the defence ministers of Hungary and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I was honoured to accept the invitation of His Royal Highness at a time when the global security environment is undergoing profound and complex changes.

    We are living in an era where stability can no longer be taken for granted. In such a climate, the world needs strong regional anchors — visionary governments capable of projecting stability both within and beyond their borders. Saudi Arabia clearly plays such a role.

    We also recognise the Kingdom’s constructive role in international diplomacy, especially as a platform for dialogue in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Hungary has consistently advocated for a ceasefire and immediate peace negotiations. We firmly believe there is no military solution to this war — only a diplomatic one. Saudi Arabia’s responsible and forward-leaning neutrality closely aligns with our own long-standing call for meaningful dialogue and de-escalation.

    Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration
    In an exclusive interview with Arab News, the minister emphasised Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a regional stabiliser. 

    Desired Outcome

    Until now, defence cooperation between our two nations has been modest. This visit establishes a new foundation. We have initiated discussions on a memorandum of understanding between our defence ministries — a step that will provide a formal framework for structured and forward-looking collaboration.

    Hungary is prepared to offer training opportunities within our military education system, which already welcomes numerous international participants. We also explored the potential for future joint exercises.

    However, the most exciting prospects lie in the area of defense industry cooperation and innovation. Saudi Arabia, through organisations such as SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries), has become a major force in modern defence manufacturing and technological development. Hungary shares this focus.

    Our country has recently established the Hungarian Defence Innovation Research Institute (VIKI), which serves as the national hub for cutting-edge defense technologies, applied research, and dual-use innovation. VIKI brings together academia, industry, and operational users to ensure that innovation is both forward-thinking and mission-relevant.

    In today’s rapidly evolving defence landscape — shaped by unmanned systems, AI-driven platforms, advanced sensors, and hybrid warfare — collaboration between like-minded and technologically ambitious nations is essential. Hungary and Saudi Arabia have both the intent and the institutional capacity to create a partnership based on joint development, co-investment, and innovation-driven defense solutions.

    The visit of the minister is historic because it is the first time that the two countries’ defence ministers have met.

    Saudi-Hungarian Defence Cooperations

    At present, our defence cooperation is at a formative stage — but there is strong political will on both sides to advance it. A Saudi expert delegation is expected to visit Hungary in the near future, where we will present our full range of capabilities, including in military training, force development, and defense technology.

    This will be the first step in building a structured and strategic partnership — one rooted in mutual interests, trust, and long-term objectives.

    Saudi Arabia Regional Stabiliser

    Saudi Arabia is not only a regional powerhouse but an increasingly influential global actor. Vision 2030 is more than an ambitious blueprint — it is a program being implemented with clarity, commitment, and results.

    In the diplomatic sphere, the Kingdom plays a unique stabilising role. It engages constructively with a broad spectrum of actors — from Iran and Türkiye to the United States, Russia, and beyond. In a fragmented and polarised world, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a trusted interlocutor — capable of bringing conflicting parties to the negotiating table.

    This leadership is especially evident in relation to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which directly affects European security and economic stability. Hungary values the Kingdom’s active mediation efforts — not only as a neutral venue for dialogue, but as a country that offers credible leadership in the pursuit of peace.

    Szalay-Bobrovniczky’s discussions with Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman centered on strengthening military ties.

    Visit to Saudi Arabia

    This is my second visit to the Kingdom — the first was nearly a decade ago — and the transformation is remarkable.

    What was already a developed country has undergone a striking evolution. From infrastructure and urban planning to innovation ecosystems and societal dynamism, the pace of progress is tangible. Vision 2030 is not just a slogan — it is visibly reshaping the future of the Kingdom.

    Saudi Arabia, with its deep historical legacy, growing economic weight, and expanding international presence, is stepping decisively into a global leadership role. It has been a privilege to witness this transformation firsthand — and to explore ways in which Hungary and Saudi Arabia can grow together as strategic partners in defence, innovation, and security.

    News Just in

    Jeddah Summer Season delivers fun for every mood

    Adnan Hindawi

    Cliff Notes – Jeddah Summer Season delivers fun for every mood The Jeddah Summer Season, running until August 31 under the “Color Your Summer” initiative,

    Read More »

    26 workshops to boost nonprofit efficiency in KSA

    Adnan Hindawi

    Cliff Notes – 26 workshops to boost nonprofit efficiency in KSA The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has initiated an empowerment programme aimed at

    Read More »

    EU Featured featured Middle East featured Riyadh Saudi featured
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Telegram WhatsApp
    Previous ArticleRio Ferdinand claps back at trolls on wife Kate’s bikini pictures
    Next Article England’s captain Leah Williamson says Lionesses are ‘connected to what it means for nation’ ahead of Women’s Euros final
    Adnan Hindawi
    • X (Twitter)

    Adnan Hindawi is Journalist working on middle eastern news with over 10 years experience as current affairs editor.

    Related Posts

    Saudi Arabia

    Jeddah Summer Season delivers fun for every mood

    Saudi Arabia

    26 workshops to boost nonprofit efficiency in KSA

    Saudi Arabia

    Humain’s Arabic LLM a ‘transformative leap in Arabic AI development,’ deputy CEO tells Arab News

    Saudi Arabia

    Hackathon to drive innovation in AlUla tourism

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Advertisment
    News Headlines
    Arrests made at protest for Palestine Action in London

    Arrests made at protest for Palestine Action in London

    Israel warns Gaza City residents to flee south to humanitarian area

    Israel warns Gaza City residents to flee south to humanitarian area

    Save 70% on VIP subscription
    News Briefings - the way to a better life
    News Briefings - the way to a better life
    Advert by Sponsors
    More from WTX News
    The latest gaming news - with game reviews and tips and tricks. updated 24 hours a day.
    The latest gaming news
    Hot off the press!
    • Arrests made at protest for Palestine Action in London September 6, 2025
    • Jamie Overton replaces Saqib Mahmood in England XI for third ODI September 6, 2025
    • Sure! Here’s the text without the site name, category, date, and full stops: “It blew my mind as a kid” TV fans reveal best sci-fi series ever September 6, 2025
    • Israel warns Gaza City residents to flee south to humanitarian area September 6, 2025
    • Mauricio Pochettino ‘shocked’ by Daniel Levy’s Tottenham exit September 6, 2025
    wtx news brings you the latest news, a UK news briefing, Sports analysis, and premier league news with a special round-up of Business and crypto updates
    Facebook X (Twitter) TikTok Instagram

    News

    • World News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • EU News
    • Business
    • Opinions
    • News Briefing
    • Live News

    Company

    • About WTX News
    • Register
    • Advertising
    • Work with us
    • Contact
    • Community
    • GDPR Policy
    • Privacy

    Services

    • Fitness for free
    • Insta Talk
    • How to guides
    • Climate Change
    • In Review
    • Expose
    • NEWS SUMMARY
    • Money Saving Expert

    News delivered to your inbox

    Copyright WTX News 2025

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.