Exercise 'Rapid Response 2018' Opened

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Minister of Defence of BiH Marina Pendeš attended the official opening of the military exercise "Rapid Response 2018" at the Butmir base in Sarajevo.

In addition to Minister Pendeš, the opening ceremony of the exercise was attended by the Commander of EUFOR ALTHEA Major General Martin Dorfer, the Minister of Communications and Transport Ismir Jusko, as well as high-ranking domestic and international officials.

The military exercise "Rapid Response 2018", conducted by the Armed Forces of BiH, law enforcement agencies, and EUFOR, is an annual planned exercise primarily focused on practicing specific actions and procedures related to peacekeeping operations and supporting a stable and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Armed Forces of BiH are participating in the exercise this year with approximately 55 members, infantry, and one helicopter crew.

Highlighting the importance of the participation of members of the Armed Forces of BiH in the exercise, Minister Pendeš stated: "We in the Ministry of Defence of BiH will use this exercise to improve the level of interoperability of the units of the Armed Forces of BiH, as well as the practice of operational procedures with members of the armed forces from EU member states and NATO member states."

Furthermore, Minister Pendeš expressed her gratitude to all members of EUFOR, and especially to the Commander of EUFOR, General Martin Dorfer, for their efforts in organizing the exercise, as well as for the invitation for the members of the Armed Forces of BiH to participate alongside their colleagues from EUFOR and the Ministry of Security of BiH.

The exercise will be held from September 3 to 7, 2018, on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the following locations: Sarajevo International Airport, Pazarić, Kalinovik, Dubrave-Tuzla, Mrkonjić Grad, Brčko District. This will be an opportunity for law enforcement agencies in BiH, the Armed Forces of BiH, and EUFOR representatives to gather again to jointly practice procedures related to operational coordination, command, control, and communications.