Pendeš at Ministerial Meeting on Illegal Migrations, Terrorist Threats

(Patria) - Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Marina Pendeš spoke at the Meeting of Defence Ministers of the American-Adriatic Charter (A-5) member states, held in Tirana, Republic of Albania.

The ministerial meeting included sessions with the following topics: Observer countries' perspective related to the security environment in the region and their membership in the American-Adriatic Charter, Security Challenges of Southeast Europe, Future of the A-5 initiative and joint contribution to NATO operations and missions, and NATO's Open Door Policy. The meeting was opened by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Albania Olta Xhaçka and the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper. Speaking about the challenges in Southeast Europe, Minister Pendeš specifically addressed illegal migrations, terrorist threats, the return of foreign fighters, and natural and similar disasters.

She emphasized that neither the region nor the whole of Europe has a comprehensive and coherent policy or strategy for dealing with the migrant crisis. Regarding potential terrorist threats, she stressed that the response of BiH institutions to this threat has been systematic, organized, comprehensive, and adequate in recent years.

"In order to effectively prevent and adequately respond to the aforementioned challenges, successful regional cooperation must include the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and expertise, as well as training and joint action, which will be accompanied by appropriate transformation and adaptation of policies, strategies, and structures," concluded Minister Pendeš. The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint declaration by the defence ministers of the A5 member states.

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Minister Pendeš also held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Defence of Albania Olta Xhaçka and a US delegation led by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper. The A-5 initiative was launched by Croatia, Albania, Macedonia, and the USA in 2003, and since 2008, BiH and Montenegro have been active participants. The main goal of this initiative is to provide support to Euro-Atlantic processes in Southeast Europe.