New NATO HQ Sarajevo General to Helez: I'm back, BiH is close to my heart

(Patria) - Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez, with his Deputy Aleksandar Goganović, received Brigadier General Matthew Valas for an introductory visit and the outgoing Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, Brigadier General Pamela McGaha, for a farewell visit.

Helez warmly welcomed the guests and wished Valas a pleasant stay in our country.

- It is my pleasure that you are visiting the Ministry of Defence together today. I know this is your first official activity, and I am pleased you are here, as defence institutions are certainly your closest partners here. General McGaha went through many challenges with us, which usually arise due to our political circumstances. She has certainly gained valuable experience that she can share with you - said Helez, the Ministry of Defence of BiH announced.

The Minister informed Brigadier General Valas about the past activities of the Mo and AF BiH and cooperation with NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, activities related to the Action Plan for Membership, the Reform Program, the NATO Defence Capacity Building (DCBI) Support Package, and numerous other topics.

- Our path and our goal are Euro-Atlantic integration; we do not want to go any other way. In the second half of this month, I am travelling to Brussels, where I will hold important meetings for our country and discuss significant issues - emphasized Minister Helez.

Commander McGaha thanked Helez and Goganović for the exceptional cooperation they had. She emphasized that the guidance she received and gained from the management of the Ministry of Defence brought her immense experience, which, as she said, will be useful to her in the future.

Valas thanked them for the welcome, saying that Commander McGaha had informed him about the way of working and shared her experience with him.

He pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina is the place where he began his peacekeeping career in 1999 and 2000, and added that our country is therefore very close to his heart. General Valas spent most of his time after that with special operations forces, where he gained a lot of experience.

Goganović welcomed Valas and emphasized that by taking on this duty, he has been given a challenging task and job. He thanked Commander McGaha for her objective and impartial approach, for the help she provided in developing the multi-ethnic Armed Forces, and for acknowledging the fact that this ministry has two deputies from different ethnic groups, which contributes to members of the BiH Armed Forces feeling better.

- In order to contribute to peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region, and Europe, we remain committed to strengthening cooperation with NATO - concluded Goganović.

The official handover of the Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo will take place on Friday, May 10, 2024.