Hungary expresses commitment for Peshmerga forces in anti-terror fight

"We are a very committed participant of the anti-terror fight, so we cooperate with everyone who is fighting against ISIS in the region."

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Hungary’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó says his country is committed to those forces who are battling extremist and terror groups on behalf of the world, particularly the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga.

Szijjártó spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday about Hungary’s role in the war against terror groups like the so-called Islamic State (IS).

The Hungarian official revealed that his country is going to take part in NATO’s Canada-led training mission in Iraq.

Responding to a question from Kurdistan 24 correspondent Barzan Hassan about Hungary’s support for Kurdish Peshmerga forces, Szijjártó said Budapest is a dedicated partner in the war against terrorism.

“Well actually, you know, we are a very committed participant of the anti-terror fight, so we cooperate with everyone who is fighting against IS in the region,” he stated. “We are very committed in the endeavors to eliminate the terrorist organization, IS.”

Szijjártó also expressed Hungary’s desire “to help the communities who had to leave their homes to have a safe return.”

The Kurdistan Region, in particular, has been forced to bear the brunt of the influx of refugees and displaced persons fleeing IS’ threat in parts of Iraq and Syria. Kurdistan’s leadership has repeatedly called for support as it relies on its own financial resources to care for approximately two million displaced persons living in camps across the Region.

As the one-year anniversary of Iraq’s “final victory” announcement against IS nears, liberated areas are in desperate need of reconstruction and security.

(Additional reporting by Kurdistan 24 correspondent Barzan Hassan)