Helez with Maryland delegation: 64 members of BiH Armed Forces in stabilization forces for Gaza

(Patria) - Minister of Defense of BiH Zukan Helez met today with a delegation from the National Guard of the American state of Maryland, led by Joint Staff Director, Brigadier General Craig Hunter.

This meeting, says Helez, once again confirmed the strength of the partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the USA, as well as the joint commitment to improving mutual relations.

- I thanked them for the successful and extremely productive visit to the United States of America and the Maryland National Guard.

I am particularly pleased by the fact that, in addition to military cooperation, we have also taken the first significant steps towards establishing stronger civilian cooperation between BiH and Maryland, especially in the areas of education, medicine, the defense industry, and trade.

I am sure that this will further improve the overall economic cooperation between our countries - said Helez.

In a post on the social network Facebook, he wrote that the USA represents our key foreign policy partner and the country that has so far provided the greatest support and invested the most in the development and modernization of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"Through continuous political, security, and institutional support, the USA has made an immeasurable contribution to strengthening the defense capabilities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to the overall stability and security of our country.

The State Partnership Program (SPP) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the state of Maryland, which has been ongoing since 2003, is particularly significant.

This partnership was established with the aim of strengthening mutual understanding and interoperability between the US Army and the Armed Forces of BiH, as well as providing support to democratic institutions and state bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina", stated Helez.

Speaking about international security challenges and BiH's contribution to maintaining peace, he emphasized that our country participates in international stabilization forces for Gaza with 64 members of the Armed Forces of BiH, thereby confirming its commitment to peace, security, and international cooperation.

"The invitation from the United States of America to be part of these forces represents a great recognition for the Armed Forces of BiH and their continuous development", stated Helez.

Among other things, they also discussed the process of adopting the budget of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially the increase in allocations for the Armed Forces of BiH.

General Hunter also emphasized that the expectations of the American administration, led by President Donald Trump, are to increase investments in defense and strengthen the security capacities of allies.

At the end of today's meeting, Helez thanked the guests and partners for the continuous and strong support that the United States of America provides to the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"I am convinced that our cooperation will continue to progress in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and shared values that connect us", concluded Minister Helez.