Hungary – Despite the facts that no historical ties exist between Hungary and Chad, as well as that fact that the two countries don’t even have embassies in each other’s country, Hungary announce to initiate a cooperation mission with the Central African country.
The announce came as a surprise, after the statement of the Hungarian minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó following a meeting with his Chadian counterpart, Mahamat Saleh Annadif.
The two men met in the Chadian capital of N’Djamena, on December 7. The two countries will launch a comprehensive cooperation program covering several strategic areas, with security, economic, humanitarian, and educational pillars.
Hungary Today reports that minister Szijjártó explained that security is the basis of economic development and social stability. Hungary is therefore ready to contribute to Chad’s efforts to guarantee security in the Sahel region, which is also of great importance for Europe, and to make the fight against terrorism in the region a success. He stressed that Hungary, with the approval of parliament, could send up to 200 soldiers to Chad next year for this purpose.
“In Hungary, we highly appreciate the role of Chad in maintaining stability in the Sahel, and we appreciate the fight Chad is waging against terrorist organizations,” he added.

Three other pillars of the bilateral cooperation have been announced. First, the economic pillar: Hungarian companies are to invest in Chad. “The provision of safe water, the modernization of agriculture, and the development and digitalization of public administration” are the three sectors in which Hungary will play a role in the future of Chad.

The Hungary Helps organization will be in charge of the humanitarian aspect of the mission, with several medical missions to contribute to the care of up to one million refugees, mainly located in the Eastern part of the country, close to the border with Sudan.
Training of experts and launch of a food security development program are also planned. 25 Chadian students will also be granted scholarships in Hungary.
Meantime, in order to support its French ally, Hungary will send 200 to 400 soldiers to tackle down terrorism in Chad, a country surrounded by rebellious and islamists groups supported by Russian PMC Wagner.