NATO will continue to provide support to BiH

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited the BiH Ministry of Defence today, where he held a meeting with BiH Minister of Defence Marina Pendeš. Stoltenberg said that he was very satisfied with the progress BiH has made on its path to NATO membership, writes the BiH news agency Patria.

- The country is now peaceful, secure, and looking forward, unlike during my last visit to BiH. I am pleased to see that you all serve together under a unified command and maintain peace together, which is a great success. You are a living example of how much progress has been made since the dark days of war, and NATO is proud to support you - Stoltenberg stated.

He warned that it is necessary to maintain focus on transparency and the fight against corruption.

- NATO has been supporting BiH for years, we helped you end the war, to strengthen and modernize, and now you are helping us. We are very grateful for that, your 500 soldiers have served in Afghanistan so far. Your soldiers, whom you can be proud of, have helped Afghanistan not become a haven for terrorists and in the fight against terrorism.

He praised BiH for its contribution to numerous UN operations, which reflects the quality and professionalism of the BiH Armed Forces.

He reiterated that BiH, through its activities in Afghanistan, contributes to international security and the global fight against terrorism.

- We will continue to provide support and back your efforts towards Euro-Atlantic integration. We will also provide political support to BiH.

Minister Pendeš informed the Secretary General about the priority activities of the BiH Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, particularly highlighting activities related to NATO integration processes and achieving full interoperability of the defence sector with NATO requirements and standards, which demonstrates the intention of the BiH Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces to be a credible NATO partner.

- We are proud because we actively participate in the "Resolute Support" mission in Afghanistan, as a reliable NATO partner. Our intention is to continue participating in building a secure and stable internal environment in this country, as well as in other missions under the auspices of NATO, the UN, and the EU - said Minister Pendeš.

- Partnership security cooperation programs, as well as participation with Alliance members in joint training, exercises, and NATO-led operations, are precisely what help the Armed Forces of BiH and the country as a whole to need and be able to make a substantial and strategic leap from the phase of internal consolidation to the phase of European and Euro-Atlantic integration - Pendeš added.