Minister Pendeš in Washington: BiH hopes for a positive signal from the NATO Summit

Minister of Defense of BiH Marina Pendeš, accompanied by her associates, is on an official visit to the USA for bilateral defense consultations between the Ministry of Defense of BiH and the US Department of Defense. On the first day of her visit to Washington, a series of working meetings were held, the Ministry of Defense of BiH announced, reports the Patria News Agency.

The Minister of Defense of BiH, Marina Pendeš, began her official visit to the United States of America by laying a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery. Accompanied by the Ambassador of BiH to the USA, Haris Hrlje, and Major General Senad Mašović, the Minister laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with full military honors.

After that, a meeting was held for the delegation of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces of BiH and the Ambassador of BiH to the USA, Hrlje, with General Frank Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. During the meeting, which was also attended by Brigadier General Linda Singh, Commander of the Maryland National Guard, current activities of the Ministry of Defense of BiH, challenges, and BiH's undoubted commitment to NATO integration were discussed.

In her address, Minister Pendeš emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for the stability and security of the southwestern Balkans and expressed hope that a positive signal would be sent to BiH at the upcoming Summit in Warsaw, and she expressed satisfaction with Montenegro's imminent accession to NATO.

In his address, General Mašović spoke about the need for modernization of the BiH Armed Forces. The interlocutors agreed that the continuation of cooperation between BiH and the USA and the improvement of the State Partnership Program between BiH and Maryland are of exceptional importance and benefit to both partner sides.

After the meeting at the Pentagon, Minister Pendeš met with Tina Kaidanow, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (State Department). At the very beginning, Minister Pendeš emphasized the fact that BiH remains committed to the Reform Agenda and the creation of necessary prerequisites for integration into NATO and the European Union.

"With limited financial resources for modernization, the FMF and GPOI programs are an indispensable support in building the capacities and capabilities of the BiH Armed Forces to perform their legal mission and tasks, especially concerning our participation in Peace Support Operations (PSO), assistance to civilian structures in case of disasters, and demining, and in this regard, it is of great importance that these funds remain available to BiH," stated Minister Pendeš.

Kaidanow confirmed the intention that the USA will continue to support our country, emphasized the importance of Montenegro's integration into NATO as a clear incentive for BiH's efforts towards Euro-Atlantic integration, but also the need for BiH to take all necessary measures on its part in the realization of joint activities.

On the first day of the official visit, a reception was hosted for the delegation of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces of BiH, led by Minister Pendeš, at the BiH Embassy in Washington, hosted by Haris Hrlje, Ambassador of BiH to the USA. The current political and economic situation in our country was discussed at the meeting, and Minister Pendeš informed those present about the current developments and plans of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of BiH for the future period, according to the statement.