Commander Edwards: NATO countries helped BiH during the pandemic, Alliance's support unchanged

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - NATO allies provided financial and material assistance through the NATO Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre to combat the spread of the virus, protect citizens from infection, and ensure resources for those in need, said Brigadier General William J. Edwards, Commander of NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, in a video message via the US Embassy in BiH's Facebook page.

He recalled that Bosnia and Herzegovina requested assistance from the NATO Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre in early April to combat the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the region.

"Eleven NATO countries sent aid to the Western Balkan countries in the first weeks, even though they were struggling with the pandemic themselves, which clearly shows the advantages of Euro-Atlantic integration," Edwards explained.

He added that assistance was delivered to a number of local institutions across the country, including the BiH Ministry of Security, the FBiH and RS Ministries of Internal Affairs and Health, the Armed Forces of BiH, Sarajevo International Airport, and civil protection authorities.

"The coronavirus pandemic highlights the usefulness of cooperation between NATO and the Western Balkan countries. COVID-19 has shown us that borders do not offer much protection and that a higher level of regional cooperation is necessary," said Edwards.

He reiterated that NATO's commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens remains unchanged.

"Our joint effort to mitigate the impact of the pandemic is an excellent example of how we can build a better future together. As Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, I am proud to represent an Alliance that has provided security and stability for over 70 years, an Alliance that continues to promote security and stability, an Alliance that is united in the fight against COVID-19," Edwards' message states.