The Republic of Srpska

Today, the Republic of Srpska Minister of the Interior, Mr Željko Budimir, and Director General of the Counter-Terrorism Centre (TEK) of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Hungary, Mr János Hajdu, opened the Counter-Terrorism Office (TEK Centre) of the Hungarian Ministry of the Interior at the Training Centre of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior, in Zalužani. 

Minister Budimir said that the main purpose of opening this office was to enhance cooperation in the exchange of information and joint training, which should help in countering terrorism. 

He said ‘’we can only counter terrorism by exchanging information, which is important not only for prevention but also for situations where it is necessary to use special anti-terrorist units’’, adding that countering terrorism also implies the fight  against organised crime, which is an ongoing issue across Europe. 

Minister Budimir emphasised that ‘’the migrant crisis has also brought us new challenges, where the common goal is to strengthen regional cooperation, where cooperation with TEK Centre is the key pillar. It has extensive experience and we can learn a great deal from their expertise. We will make our best practices available".

Director General of the Counter-Terrorism Centre (TEK), Mr János Hajdu, said that terrorism is viewed as the most extreme point of radicalisation, the aim of which is to threaten people’s sense of safety and stability. 

“In order for law enforcement agencies, especially counter‑terrorism units, to adequately respond to all the challenges posed by terrorism, ordinary cooperation is not enough. It is necessary to exchange different approaches and experiences, share expertise, and discuss professional issues of mutual interest” he added.

He noted that the opening of the office is the practical implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Police Cooperation between the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior (MoI) and the Counter‑Terrorism Centre of the Ministry of the Interior of Hungary from February last year, which he signed with the Republic of Srpska Police Director, Mr Siniša Kostrešević.”