Bećirović spoke with Rutte: Unquestionable NATO support for BiH's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity

(Patria) - BiH Presidency member Denis Bećirović held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. During the meeting, Bećirović emphasized that NATO and state institutions must be prepared to protect Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He informed the NATO Secretary General that the leadership of the Bosnian Serb entity of RS is taking dangerous steps that threaten peace, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He also pointed out that the leadership of the Republic of Serbia is aggressively interfering in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as other countries in the region, with the aim of reactivating the Greater Serbia project. He said that this is confirmed by the Declaration of the so-called All-Serbian Assembly, adopted in Belgrade last year, which aims to destroy the internationally recognized state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and annex the RS entity to Serbia.

Bećirović said he supports NATO's proactive engagement, including deterrence measures, to prevent any disruption of peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bećirović thanked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for the continuous assistance and support to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its path towards full membership in NATO. He emphasized the commitment to continuing reforms for the full membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina in NATO, which is one of the strategic foreign policy priorities of our country, determined by the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He added that this is an important factor for stability, security, and progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said it is important for NATO to continuously cooperate with Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening its institutions, democracy, and defense capabilities.

In the context of new NATO member accessions, Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of dynamizing cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and said that he will continue to provide full support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its Euro-Atlantic path. He also expressed NATO's unquestionable support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The importance of countering regional challenges and threats was also discussed, especially the negative and destabilizing influence of the Russian Federation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, which undermines efforts towards Euro-Atlantic integration. It was emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina must remain firmly on the European and Euro-Atlantic path.