Minister Pendeš in Washington: BiH Hopes for a Positive Signal from the NATO Summit

Minister of Defence of BiH Marina Pendeš, accompanied by her associates, is on an official visit to the USA for bilateral defence consultations between the Ministry of Defence of BiH and the US Department of Defense. On the first day of her visit to Washington, a series of working meetings were held, the BiH Ministry of Defence announced, reports the Patria News Agency.

Minister of Defence of BiH Marina Pendeš began her official visit to the United States of America by laying a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery. Accompanied by the BiH Ambassador to the USA, Haris Hrle, and Major General Senad Mašović, the Minister laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with full military honours.

Following this, a meeting was held for the delegation of the BiH Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, and the BiH Ambassador to the USA, Hrle, with General Frank Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. During the meeting, which was also attended by Brigadier General Linda Singh, Commander of the Maryland National Guard, discussions focused on the current activities of the BiH Ministry of Defence, challenges, and BiH's undoubted commitment to NATO integration.

In her address, Minister Pendeš emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for the stability and security of the southwestern Balkans and expressed hope that a positive signal would be sent to BiH at the upcoming Summit in Warsaw, noting her satisfaction with Montenegro's imminent accession to NATO.

In his address, General Mašović spoke about the need for modernizing the BiH Armed Forces. The interlocutors agreed that the continuation of cooperation between BiH and the USA, and the enhancement of BiH's State Partnership Program with Maryland, are of exceptional importance and benefit to both partner sides.

After the meeting at the Pentagon, Minister Pendeš met with Tina Kaidanow, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (US Department of State). At the very beginning, Minister Pendeš highlighted the fact that BiH remains committed to the Reform Agenda and the creation of necessary preconditions for integration into NATO and the European Union.

"With limited financial resources for modernization, the FMF and GPOI programs are an indispensable support in building the capacity and capabilities of the BiH Armed Forces to perform their legal mission and tasks, especially concerning our participation in Peace Support Operations (PSO), assistance to civilian structures in case of disasters, and demining. In this regard, it is of great importance that these funds remain available to BiH," stated Minister Pendeš.

Kaidanow confirmed the intention that the USA will continue to support our country, emphasized the importance of Montenegro's integration into NATO as a clear incentive for BiH's efforts towards Euro-Atlantic integration, but also the need for BiH to take all necessary measures on its part in the realization of joint activities.

On the first day of the official visit, a reception was hosted for the delegation of the BiH Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, led by Minister Pendeš, at the BiH Embassy in Washington, hosted by Haris Hrle, BiH Ambassador to the USA. The current political and economic situation in our country was discussed, and Minister Pendeš informed the attendees about the current developments and plans of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of BiH for the future period, according to the statement.