Croatian Ambassador Sabolić thanked Helez for cooperation in decision-making at the Council of Ministers of BiH

(Patria) - Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez received Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to BiH H.E. Ivan Sabolić for an official visit today.

Bilateral cooperation between the ministries of defence and armed forces of the two countries was discussed at the meeting, and it was concluded that cooperation is intensive at all levels. Minister Helez thanked for the support that the Republic of Croatia provides to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to full membership in the European Union and NATO, especially in the decision to grant BiH candidate status for EU membership. Helez emphasized the importance of open neighborly cooperation for the stability of the entire region.

Sabolić emphasized that Croatia's support for BiH's full membership in the European Union and NATO is unquestionable, and stressed that Croatia offers expert assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on Croatia's experiences in this process.

"The Republic of Croatia certainly understands our specifics and can influence the future approach of the European Commission towards the integration aspirations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we will appreciate any support in that direction," said Minister Helez.

Minister Helez specifically thanked for the opportunities for training BiH Armed Forces personnel at Croatian military schools. Ambassador Sabolić also expressed satisfaction with the military cooperation between BiH and the Republic of Croatia and expressed his belief that mutual activities will continue to develop, to the mutual benefit of the two countries. He also emphasized that Croatia fully supports NATO's initiative to strengthen BiH's defence and security capabilities.

The interlocutors also emphasized mutual satisfaction that the new convocation of the Council of Ministers of BiH, in which Minister Helez serves as Deputy Chairperson, has shown a new positive momentum in decision-making.

Sabolić pointed out that this year, for the first time since 2017, a joint session of the Council of Ministers of BiH and the Government of the Republic of Croatia is planned, and emphasized this as another opportunity for further resolution of any outstanding issues and further development of the close relations between BiH and the Republic of Croatia.

The meeting was also attended by the Military Envoy of the Republic of Croatia to BiH, Brigadier Davor Kiralj, and the Head of the Cabinet of the Minister of Defence of BiH, Salko Beba.