Pendeš informed Nelson about the status of BiH's Annual National Programme

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Marina Pendeš today received the Ambassador of the United States of America to BiH, Eric G. Nelson, on his inaugural visit, whom she informed about the current status of the first Annual National Programme (ANP) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the adoption of which would activate the Membership Action Plan (MAP) to NATO, the Ministry of Defence of BiH announced.

Pendeš emphasized that MAP does not mean automatic membership with NATO, but primarily strengthening the partnership with this alliance, which would positively affect the further development of the defence sector in BiH, as well as the economy in our country.

Ambassador Nelson expressed strong support from the Government and the Embassy of the USA for the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of BiH in further steps in the field of Euro-Atlantic integration. He pointed out that citizens can be proud of the Armed Forces of BiH, as one of the most integrative entities in BiH society, but also one of the most important institutions in BiH. He stressed that the USA will strive to help it remain so in the future.

The meeting was also attended by the US Military Representative to BiH Brigadier Michael Tarquinto, Political Advisor at the US Embassy in BiH Carrie Giardino, and officials from the Ministry of Defence of BiH from the Sector for International Cooperation and the Public Relations Office.