Bosnia and Herzegovina and the US in the Pentagon: Alliance Stronger Than Ever

(Patria) - Bilateral consultations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the US in the field of defense were held on Friday, February 25, 2025, at the Pentagon. The delegation of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of BiH was led by Minister of Defense Zukan Helez, while the delegation of the US Department of Defense was led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO David Baker.

Katherine Thompson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, also joined the final part of the consultations.

The delegation of the MoD and AF BiH also included Deputy Ministers Slaven Galić and Aleksandar Goganović, Chief of the Joint Staff of the AF BiH Lieutenant General Gojko Knežević, Chief Inspector of the MoD BiH Brigadier General Edin Fako, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation Zoran Šajinović, and other associates.

During the constructive discussions, which were held through four predefined topics, it was emphasized that the administration of President Donald Trump supports the territorial sovereignty and integrity of BiH, and welcomes the defense partnership that BiH is developing with the US federal state of Maryland. The progress made so far in bilateral military cooperation was highlighted.

Representatives of the US MoD presented the new strategy of President Trump's administration and expressed expectations that Europe will contribute more to building conventional military capabilities, which requires increased defense spending, including for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The discussions highlighted the US commitment to the security and stability of the Western Balkans, especially the further development of BiH and its path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. The work of EUFOR so far has been welcomed, especially the deployment of reserve forces in situations requiring it due to the situation on the ground. The importance of the American-Adriatic Charter (A5) as a key forum for further engagement in the Balkans was also emphasized.

The initiatives of the BiH Minister of Defense that relevant authorities, in accordance with the constitution, should increase budget allocations for defense were supported at the meetings. It is expected that the defense reforms adopted in 2016 will be implemented in cooperation and partnership with NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, headed by an American general.

During the bilateral consultations, information and proposals for the modernization of the AF BiH in cooperation with the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency were exchanged.

It is expected that the AF BiH will participate in multilateral exercises such as "Balkan Blitz" and "Vigorous Warrior 2026". The need to open discussions on a general security and military information agreement, which would enable the exchange of classified and confidential data, was mutually emphasized.

The discussions presented the experience gained so far in the work of the General Inspectorates of the US MoD and the MoD BiH, with recommendations to transfer the best practices of the US General Inspectorate to improve the work of the General Inspectorate of the MoD BiH.

The commitment to continue efforts and secure the necessary funds for the procurement and maintenance of the AF BiH aviation assets, as well as the improvement of their capabilities, was also highlighted. It was agreed that the next bilateral consultations will be held in August and September 2026 in Sarajevo.