Helez and Galić received Ambassador Reilly: BiH's strategic goals are EU and NATO

(Patria) - Minister of Defence of BiH Zukan Helez, with Deputy for Policy and Plans Slaven Galić, received
the UK Ambassador to BiH H.E. Julian Reilly for an official visit, in the presence of the military attaché Brigadier Edward Taylor, on 09.07.2025.

Minister Helez, extending his welcome, particularly thanked Ambassador Reilly for the UK delegation's attendance at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in the "UN Protected Area of Srebrenica", as well as for the consistent and valuable support that the United Kingdom continuously provides to the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of BiH. He emphasized that our only strategic goals are EU and NATO integration. He highlighted the importance of the initiative related to the appointment of a United Kingdom Special Advisor for the reform of the defence system of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a special form of support for strengthening the capacities of the defence sector.

The topics of discussion also included resolving the issue of non-perspective movable and immovable military property, the implementation of the "Women, Peace and Security" (WPS) and "Human Security" projects, as well as the realization of joint activities.

Regarding the WPS project, the minister emphasized that there has been a recent increase in women's interest in the BiH Armed Forces, and with their representation of around 11% in the BiH Armed Forces, we are ahead of some NATO member countries.

He also informed the ambassador about the current activities on developing the Dynamic Plan for the implementation of conclusions from the second WPS conference, held in November 2024 in Sarajevo, and that the Ministry of Defence of BiH has initiated a series of activities for the institutionalization of the "Human Security" project within the BiH Armed Forces.

"The joint training conducted between the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the first battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment of the United Kingdom (also known as the 1st Battalion Ranger Regiment) represents a significant contribution to strengthening the interoperability and operational capabilities of the BiH Armed Forces.

The joint training enabled the exchange of experiences and the development of common tactical procedures, thereby further strengthening trust and partnership between our two countries, for which I am particularly grateful, dear Ambassador," said Helez.

This cooperation has continued through a specialized course for our instructors (Defence Train the Trainer), which further enhances the quality of training and contributes to the professional development of the BiH Armed Forces instructor cadre.

"The aforementioned activities demonstrate the United Kingdom's commitment to continuing to provide support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in building modern, interoperable, and capable armed forces. Within the framework of implementing the NATO DCBI support package for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 'AIRMEDEVAC' project is being developed in the spirit of mutually satisfactory cooperation, with a clearly expressed strategic goal that the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are capable of providing air medical evacuation throughout the territory of BiH, 24 hours a day, seven days a week," emphasized the minister.

The Minister of Defence expressed special gratitude to the Government of the United Kingdom for taking a leadership role within the NATO DCBI support package, as well as for its consistent support to the Armed Forces of BiH and the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

UK Ambassador to BiH Julian Reilly congratulated the minister on the achievements in implementing the "Women, Peace and Security" project.

"You live in a challenging political environment, your security is our security. The agreed political goals at the BiH level are EU and NATO integration, and this requires many political compromises. The BiH Armed Forces are proof of how and what can be achieved through compromise, and it is very important that Bosnia and Herzegovina and its Armed Forces remain steadfast on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration. We provide you with full support on this path."

At the end of the meeting, it was mutually expressed that the partnership between BiH and the UK, based on mutual respect, trust, and common values, will continue to develop and strengthen in the future, for the benefit of both nations.