Minister Helez hosts ministerial meeting of the SEDM initiative: Joint commitment to peace is the best response to challenges

(Patria) - Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez hosted the Ministerial Meeting within the framework of the Southeast Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) initiative, held on 26 and 27 November 2025 in Sarajevo under the Greek presidency. The guest delegations included heads of defence ministries from 15 countries, as well as representatives of organisations with which SEDM cooperates (NATO, UNDP SEESAC, RACVIAC and RCC).

Alongside Minister Helez, the gathering at the "Hills" hotel was opened by the Chair of the SEDM initiative, honorary Greek Ambassador Eleftherios Anghelopoulos, in the presence of defence ministers from five SEDM member states (Montenegro, Moldova, Romania, North Macedonia and Slovenia), five deputy defence ministers (Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia and Turkey), and representatives of the ministries of other initiative members. The host delegation also included the Assistant Minister of Defence of BiH for International Cooperation, Zoran Šajinović.

Each delegation had the opportunity to present its views on current security threats and international military-political challenges, as well as the most effective forms of mutual cooperation. Promoting regional security, stability and cooperation in Southeast Europe, as well as strengthening good neighbourly relations, have always been key topics of this forum. The global security situation was also discussed, and opinions were exchanged on the impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine on the Southeast Europe region.

Speaking at the closing address of the gathering, BiH Defence Minister Zukan Helez emphasised that the security of Southeast Europe is inseparable from the security of the whole of Europe. He pointed out that the SEDM initiative has proven to be a valuable framework for strengthening trust, understanding and coordination among the states of Southeast Europe, as well as a bridge to the wider Euro-Atlantic area.

"Our joint commitment to peace, stability and cooperation is the best response to today's challenges," said Helez.

"We are faced with numerous challenges – from Russian aggression and the war in Ukraine, through geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, to growing threats of terrorism, cyber attacks and hybrid activities. That is precisely why it is our joint responsibility to continue building capacities through SEDM, developing the interoperability of our armed forces and ensuring we are ready to respond to all threats that endanger the stability of our states and the security of our citizens."

Minister Helez particularly emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation in the field of defence industry, through increasing production capacities and modernising technologies, information exchange and joint training, to ensure that SEDM remains a relevant and effective mechanism of regional security in that area as well.

"Today we met in a security environment that is more fluid, complex and challenging than ever before in recent history," said Greek Ambassador Anghelopoulos in his address to the media, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Athanasios Davakis.

"It is precisely such a demanding environment that particularly highlights the importance of an initiative like SEDM. I am pleased that our meeting throughout its duration was marked by a spirit of cooperation and a clear desire to strengthen the security environment, which is also reflected in the joint statement adopted today," said Chair Anghelopoulos.

"With our joint statement, we confirmed the common principles of SEDM, which are in the best interest of our peoples: respect for international law and territorial integrity, good neighbourly relations, and the consolidation of stability and cooperation in the Southeast Europe region," concluded Deputy Greek Defence Minister Athanasios Davakis in his statement.

For more than two decades, the SEDM initiative has been a key platform for building trust, enhancing defence cooperation and supporting the Euro-Atlantic integration of Southeast European countries. Through concrete projects, joint exercises and political dialogue, SEDM has contributed to strengthening the interoperability of our armed forces and creating a safer environment for all citizens of Southeast Europe.