Helez with Peach: Budget for BiH Institutions Needs to Be Adopted

(Patria) - BiH Minister of Defence Zukan Helez met with his deputies on June 11, 2024, with the British Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Sir Stuart Peach.

During the meeting, Minister Helez informed Mr. Peach about the current challenges faced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH) due to the non-adoption of the budget for 2024. Helez emphasized that this problem significantly hinders the execution of the legally prescribed tasks and missions of the MoD and AF BiH.

Minister Helez highlighted the exceptional cooperation between the MoD and AF BiH and the Government of the United Kingdom, and thanked them for their continuous interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina and their support in implementing numerous projects that strengthen the country's defence capabilities.

The importance of British support in the area of gender equality within the "Women, Peace, and Security" project and building integrity in the BiH defence system was also emphasized.

"The Government of Great Britain is among our most significant and important strategic partners in many processes, not just in the field of defence," stated Minister Helez.

In his address, Peach expressed his gratitude to Minister Helez for his words of reconciliation. He also congratulated BiH on its successful NATO accreditation according to NATO standards.

Lord Peach thanked them for the successful implementation of the "Women, Peace, Security" project, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives for stability and development. He stressed that Minister Helez can lead by example and highlighted that Great Britain will continue to provide support to BiH on its path towards NATO integration.