Preserving peace and stability in BiH is key for the US

(Patria) - Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez hosted a delegation from the United States Army Command for Europe (USEUCOM) and the US Secretary of Defense's Office (OSD), led by Brigadier General Chris McKinney and Director for European Policy, Central and Southern Europe (OSD) Alton Buland.

Helez welcomed the US delegation and emphasized that the US is a vital segment of stability and security for both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region. He stressed that the US is a key foreign policy factor for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"You are the country that has invested the most in the Armed Forces of BiH, and I express my deep gratitude for the constant presence and support you provide to the Armed Forces of BiH," said Helez.

Brigadier General McKinney conveyed greetings from US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his deputy.

"We considered BiH to be the first country that should be a priority for our visit. The US is closely monitoring the security environment in BiH. We remain committed to all peoples in BiH and to respecting the Dayton Peace Agreement," McKinney stated.

He also welcomed all efforts BiH is making to preserve peace and stability in BiH. He promised support to the Armed Forces of BiH in equipment and training, as well as BiH's path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. He also expressed hope for the continuation of joint exercises, cooperation on US Army and BiH Armed Forces programs (Mil to Mil), and successful cooperation with the Maryland National Guard and USEUCOM.

Director for European Policy, Central and Southern Europe (OSD) Alton Buland emphasized that the US supports all reforms made in BiH so far. He stressed that, despite all the conflicts in the world, the US supports the sustainability of the work of BiH institutions and that the US is committed to a unified Bosnia and Herzegovina and unified Armed Forces of BiH, also promising continued support.

In the continuation of the conversation, Helez praised the cooperation of the Ministry of Defence of BiH with the US Embassy in BiH and the military attaché in BiH, the successful twenty-year cooperation with the Maryland National Guard, and expressed gratitude for the enormous financial assistance in developing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of BiH. He informed the guests about the structure of the new general staff of the BiH Armed Forces, the obstacles in adopting the budget for 2024, which, as he said, "deprives the BiH Armed Forces of funding for equipment."

He emphasized that BiH's integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures is inevitable, and informed those present about the significant steps taken to fulfill the 14 priorities for commencing BiH's accession negotiations with the European Union. The interlocutors also exchanged views on the global security situation and pointed out the importance of ending conflicts worldwide.

Deputy Minister Galić also thanked for the wide range of assistance that the US is providing to BiH.

"I am pleased that the care for the Armed Forces of BiH continues to this day. The presence of the US Army in BiH is important to us, as cooperation with the US is very important for our country, and the participation of your soldiers in exercises has both a political and practical character," said Galić.

Deputy Minister Goganović stated that defense reform is the best reform after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. He praised the cooperation with the EUFOR Mission in BiH "Althea," which contributes to stability in BiH. Regarding NATO integration, he emphasized that there is no consensus in BiH, and that he supports cooperation with NATO.

"We in BiH know very well what conflicts are, which is why BiH will always vote for peace," said Goganović, pointing out the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring peace and stability and respecting the Dayton Peace Agreement, it was announced from the Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina.