Podžić at NATO meeting in "Resolute Support" mission format in Brussels

BRUSSELS, (Patria) - BiH Minister of Defence Sifet Podžić participated in a NATO ministerial meeting in the "Resolute Support" mission format, held on February 13, 2020, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. In his address, Minister Podžić emphasized Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment and dedication to joint efforts and cooperation with operational partners in achieving international peace and security, building peace and long-term stability in Afghanistan, and confirmed that members of the Armed Forces of BiH will continue their participation in the "Resolute Support" mission.

Following the opening and introductory address by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the commander of the "Resolute Support" mission, General Austin Scott Miller, and the NATO Senior Civilian Representative for Afghanistan, Nicholas Kay, informed the ministers about the current political and military situation in Afghanistan, the progress made in developing Afghan security forces, and the peace process, after which challenges and future joint actions in carrying out this mission were discussed.

In his address, Minister Podžić emphasized Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment and dedication to joint efforts and cooperation with operational partners in achieving international peace and security, building peace and long-term stability in Afghanistan, and confirmed that members of the Armed Forces of BiH will continue their participation in the "Resolute Support" mission. At the end of his presentation, Minister Podžić stressed that this readiness was also expressed in the recently submitted document "BiH Reform Program," and that he is pleased that he will work with NATO on the implementation of the Reform Program, as well as on strengthening relations with the Alliance.

After the meeting, Minister Podžić had a brief conversation with the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Air Chief Marshal Stuart Peach, who welcomed him and wished him success in his work.

During this visit to NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the delegation of the BiH Ministry of Defence, at the invitation of staff from the Permanent Mission of the USA to NATO, held a meeting with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, Eurasia, and the Western Balkans, Laura K. Cooper, and her associates. The meeting discussed the participation of members of the Armed Forces of BiH in international exercises and operations, the importance of cooperation within the Adriatic Charter (A5), and US support in building BiH's defence capabilities and defence reform. In her address, Cooper specifically highlighted the procurement of helicopters as a positive example of cooperation, confirming that the US will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in building its defence capabilities and implementing the Reform Program.

Minister Podžić thanked the US for the support it provides to BiH in defence reform, expressing his satisfaction that his first bilateral meeting outside of BiH was held at NATO Headquarters with a high-ranking official from the US Department of Defense.

Furthermore, he emphasized the future priorities in the work of the MoD and AF BiH, with a special focus on the Defence Review and the Modernization Plan of the AF BiH, as an integral part of the BiH Reform Program, particularly highlighting the importance of cooperation within the Adriatic Charter, as a regional partnership initiative chaired by BiH this year, stating that it is a good opportunity for BiH to improve cooperation and overall relations in the region. He concluded by expressing his satisfaction with the announced upcoming visit of Ms. Cooper to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In addition to these meetings, the BiH Minister of Defence Sifet Podžić also participated in a working lunch of regional defence ministers (Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia), hosted by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of North Macedonia, Ms. Radmila Sekerinska. In a conversation with colleague Sekerinska, Minister Podžić thanked her for the invitation to this gathering, congratulated her on the unanimous ratification of the agreement on the country's accession to NATO, and expressed his sincere wish for the process of admitting this friendly country to full NATO membership to be completed as soon as possible.

The delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina included BiH Ambassador to NATO Mitar Kujundžić, Assistant Minister of Defence for International Cooperation Zoran Šajinović, Head of the Military Part of the BiH Mission to NATO Brigadier Jasmin Čajić, Head of the Office of the BiH Minister of Defence Kemal Korjenić, and Deputy Head of the Military Part of the BiH Mission to NATO Brigadier Velibor Purković.

As part of the visit to NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the BiH MoD delegation visited the BiH Mission to NATO. During this visit, they had a brief reception and meeting with BiH Ambassador to NATO, Mitar Kujundžić, and a working meeting with members of the Military Part of the BiH Mission to NATO.