US continues to monitor security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Patria) - Minister of Defence of BiH Zukan Helez, together with the Deputy Minister of Defence for Resource Management Aleksandar Goganović and the Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff for Resources, Major General Mirsad Ahmić, received today in an official visit the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Europe and NATO, David Baker.

The US delegation also included Brigadier General Chris McKinney, Deputy Director for Plans, Policy and Strategy (J5) at the US European Command (USEUCOM), Patrick Antonietti, Deputy Director for Southern and Central Europe at the Office of the US Secretary of Defence, Lieutenant Commander Christen Carpenter, Desk Officer in the J5 Division of USEUCOM, Major Shaun Tateishi, Deputy Military Attaché and Acting Military Attaché of the US in BiH, and Major John Oliver, Deputy Military Attaché of the US in BiH.

At the beginning of the meeting, Helez welcomed the guests to Sarajevo and thanked them for their readiness to once again discuss topics of mutual interest, with a special emphasis on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of defence.



- We are grateful that your visit has enabled the continuation of the dialogue initiated during the Bilateral Defence Consultations in Washington.

Your commitment further strengthens partnership relations, and the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of BiH remain fully committed to deepening cooperation with the US, especially in the areas of defence, capacity development, and strengthening interoperability - Helez emphasised.

He stated that the US Government, as a key strategic partner of BiH on its Euro-Atlantic path, remains the largest donor to the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of BiH through the FMS programme, providing continuous support for capacity building.

Within the annual plan of bilateral military cooperation (Mil to Mil), more than 100 activities are being implemented, including the continuation of the aviation modernisation process.

With the announced support from the US through the "Total Package Approach" and the received congressional notification, BiH has begun preparations for pilots and technical personnel.

In parallel, BiH continues to implement the MAP and partnership with NATO through the ITPP and more than 180 annual events, including the NATO DEEP programme and international exercises.

Furthermore, Helez emphasised that despite the complex security environment, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to strengthening its defence capacities and fulfilling key foreign policy and security goals, namely membership in NATO and the European Union.

- Our commitment to the path towards NATO and the EU remains firm, as we believe that integrations are key steps towards strengthening the sovereignty, security, and prosperity of our country.

In this context, the partnership with the US further strengthens our efforts and provides us with support in achieving these strategic goals - Helez stressed.

In his address, Baker thanked for the warm welcome and emphasised that the United States continues to monitor the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He particularly stressed that the United States remains strongly committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It was also highlighted that the partnership between the US and BiH contributes not only to strengthening regional security but also brings numerous other, not only military, benefits.



During the tour of Baščaršija, Minister Helez and Baker together viewed the landmarks of this historically famous part of Sarajevo.

Minister Helez took the opportunity to familiarise Baker with the rich cultural heritage and historical monuments that testify to the long history of the city of Sarajevo.