BiH important for NATO, especially regarding inclusion in partnership programs

(Patria) - Member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nikola Lovrinović, participated in the work of the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATOPA), which concludes today in the Slovak capital, Bratislava.

One of the topics of discussion at the meeting of the Political Committee of NATOPA was the situation in our country. During the session, it was emphasized that NATO's partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina has no alternative. It was stressed that individual disagreements within BiH will not shake the allies and friends, who, as stated, want BiH to remain a safe country, with institutions that, despite challenges, will remain democratic and credible.

The Political Committee of NATOPA called on all political actors in BiH to accelerate internal dialogue, with the aim of overcoming the current political situation. NATO member states were invited to help Bosnia and Herzegovina overcome problems, primarily in the formation of government at the state level. In this regard, it was emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is important for NATO, especially regarding inclusion in partnership programs, as well as in the fight against terrorism.

As assessed at the Committee meeting, the main security challenge for NATO is Russia and its expressed intention to, as stated, influence the security architecture of Europe. In this regard, it was emphasized that NATO does not abandon its open-door policy.

The Committee positively assessed the processes in the Republic of North Macedonia, where, as stated, significant results have been achieved through internal dialogue and dialogue with neighboring countries. Committee members emphasized that major progress in resolving internal problems and disputes with neighbors has made the Republic of North Macedonia a desirable ally in NATO.

In the discussion on the 70th anniversary of NATO's existence, it was stated that NATO is an indispensable factor of stability on a global level. In this regard, it was emphasized that NATO is the most reliable guarantor of security in the Western Balkans region, which has been recognized by Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and the Republic of North Macedonia, which, as stated, have become a recognizable part of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture as member states.

At the session of the Committee on Defence and Security of NATOPA, chaired by US Congressman Michael Turner, discussions were held on the importance of respecting the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, as well as on the possibilities of deploying short- and medium-range missiles in Europe.

At the beginning of today's plenary session, participants were addressed by NATOPA President Madeline Moon, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Andrej Danko, Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, and NATO Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Alejandro Alvargonzales.