Riyadh: Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky's landmark visit to Saudi Arabia marks the first official defense dialogue between the two nations, signaling a significant development in bilateral relations.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, the minister emphasized Saudi Arabia's growing influence as a regional stabilizer and praised its proactive approach to diplomacy.

The discussions with Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman focused on strengthening military ties, launching joint training initiatives, and exploring areas of technological cooperation.

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

This visit is historic as it marks the first official meeting between the defense ministers of Hungary and Saudi Arabia.

The global security environment is undergoing profound changes and both countries recognize the importance of strong regional anchors in projecting stability within and beyond their borders.

Saudi Arabia, with its proactive diplomacy, has become an influential actor on the international stage.

The two nations have initiated discussions on a memorandum of understanding between their defense ministries to establish a formal framework for structured collaboration.

Hungary is prepared to offer training opportunities within its military education system and there are prospects for joint exercises in the future.

There is also excitement about potential cooperation in the defense industry and innovation sectors, with Saudi Arabia being a major force in modern defense manufacturing.

The Hungarian Defense Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) brings together academia, industry, and operational users to ensure that innovation is mission-relevant and forward-thinking.

In today's rapidly evolving defense landscape, collaboration between technologically ambitious nations like Hungary and Saudi Arabia is essential.

The minister expressed the intent and institutional capacity of both countries to create a partnership based on joint development, co-investment, and innovation-driven defense solutions.

Currently, the defense cooperation between the two countries is at a formative stage but there is strong political will to advance it.

A Saudi expert delegation is expected to visit Hungary in the near future to present their capabilities in military training, force development, and defense technology.

Saudi Arabia is not only a regional powerhouse but an increasingly influential global actor.

Vision 2030, the ambitious blueprint for the future of the Kingdom, is being implemented with clarity, commitment, and results.

The Kingdom plays a unique stabilizing role on the international stage, engaging constructively with a broad spectrum of actors and offering credible leadership in pursuit of peace.

The minister's discussions with Prince Khalid bin Salman centered on strengthening military ties and exploring areas of technological cooperation.

Both countries are committed to advancing defense collaboration and formalizing their partnership through a strategic memorandum of understanding.