NATO: Annual National Programme is a technical document that helps BiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The NATO Headquarters in Brussels sent an invitation to Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 2018 to submit the first Annual National Programme (ANP), which is only "the next important step in the partnership between BiH and NATO", according to a brochure by the NATO HQ Sarajevo on the Annual National Programme, published on the NATO BiH Facebook page.

"This is not a decision on membership, nor does it imply membership. The ANP is a technical document, a list of reform priorities and goals prepared and developed by BiH, which helps in directing reform processes and activities. This tool can help BiH achieve progress in various fields, including more effective and efficient defence and security capabilities, better response to natural disasters, greater interoperability with NATO members and partners, including all countries in the region, as well as a greater contribution to overall security in the region", stated NATO.

"NATO fully respects the country's sovereignty and independence", the message reads.

"It is up to Bosnia and Herzegovina to decide whether to accept the invitation and submit its first Annual National Programme", stated the NATO HQ Sarajevo.