Helez with a high-level NATO delegation: Membership in the Alliance is BiH's foreign policy goal

(Patria) - NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana and members of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) visited the "Rajlovac" military base today, where they discussed practical aspects of cooperation between BiH and NATO with the Minister of Defense of BiH, Zukan Helez.

At the base near Sarajevo, Helez told the NATO delegation that the equipment received by the Armed Forces of BiH has strengthened their capacities and capabilities, especially with combat helicopters from the USA.

After the meeting, Helez stated that BiH is committed to NATO membership.

- I want to say that NATO is here in BiH, we are NATO partners and we want full membership. NATO integration has no reservations, it is our only foreign policy goal when it comes to military-political integration - said Helez, writes RSE.

Geoana reiterated the positions stated yesterday at meetings with the highest political authorities in BiH - BiH's security is important for the Western Balkans and the whole of Europe. Therefore, he added, work will be done to improve cooperation in many areas.

- Many important things are being worked on in many areas. This package consists of many projects. When we talk about emergency management, we are working on software, when it comes to fighting terrorism, we are developing training curricula in cooperation with the Ministry of Security, upgrading infrastructure, and so on - stated Geoana.

Previously, an exhibition of equipment possessed by the Armed Forces of BiH was also organized.

Delegation members will also meet with the High Representative in BiH, Christian Schmidt, and representatives of the international community in BiH.

The NATO Deputy Secretary General and ambassadors will also meet with the Commander of NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, Brigadier General Pamela McGaha, and the Commander of EUFOR forces in BiH, Major General László Sticz.