Austria will help in the renovation and restoration of the Armed Forces of BiH Hall

(Patria) - Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers of BiH and Minister of Defense Zukan Helez paid an official visit to the Republic of Austria on September 26, 2025, where he met with Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.

The meeting discussed the improvement of bilateral cooperation between BiH and Austria, regional initiatives, particularly within the framework of CEDC + WB (Central European Defence Cooperation + Western Balkans), and the processes of Euro-Atlantic integration. Minister Helez expressed gratitude for the hospitality and assessed that the cooperation between the two ministries has been steadily progressing, with expectations for its further strengthening.

Key areas of cooperation include cadet education, instructor exchange, courses and expert discussions, development of a logistics information system, NATO codification, activities related to small arms and light weapons, as well as Austria's support for infrastructure projects.

Minister Helez expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Austria for the continuous support they provide to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path, and emphasized that Austria is a sincere friend of BiH and a strong advocate for our country within the European Union, which means a lot to Bosnia and Herzegovina in this important period.

Helez also emphasized that the EUFOR Althea mission continues to play a key role in preserving security and stability in BiH, and particularly expressed gratitude to Austria for its significant contribution. During the meeting, the renovation of the Armed Forces of BiH Hall was discussed.

Work is currently underway on the renovation of the facade, external openings, roof, as well as the conservation and restoration of four paintings by Ismet Mujezinović from the ceremonial hall. Since the Armed Forces of BiH Hall is a national monument from the Austro-Hungarian period, I am particularly pleased that we have agreed that our two ministries of defense will jointly complete all remaining renovation and reconstruction, so that this representative building can shine again and become an ornament of Sarajevo and all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The visit to Austria and talks with Minister Tanner also resulted in other important agreements regarding the development of the Armed Forces of BiH. Since this involves sensitive military cooperation, the public will be informed about the details in a timely manner when the time comes.

The Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses full readiness to continue and further improve bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Austria, and remains committed to reform processes and continuing the path towards full membership in the European Union and NATO alliance.