After Slovenia became a member of NATO in 2004, Italy took over the "air policing" on its territory, but now Italy and Hungary will take turns, Hojs explained.

Speaking at a ceremony marking Hungary's national holiday, the outgoing Slovenian defence minister said the two countries' cooperation was very good, especially in defence, where they were not only good partners in the EU and NATO intervention groups, but also on international missions.

Hende added that Slovenia and Hungary also shared common values and that the agreement was a sign of respect, but also of economic and intelligent thinking.

He expects the agreement could be signed within two months.