Swedish contingent returns to EUFOR, flag raised at Butmir base

(Patria) - Commander of the EUFOR operation ALTHEA, Major General Helmut Habermayer, led the flag-raising ceremony welcoming Sweden, whose forces will henceforth be part of EUFOR.

The ceremony was held on the 28th anniversary of the initialing of the Dayton Peace Agreement and represents a strong expression of the European Union's continued commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The Swedish flag represents the 23rd country committed to supporting the authorities and citizens of BiH in preserving a safe and stable environment.

The First Secretary of the Swedish Embassy in BiH, Ms. Elin Fredriksson, proudly stated in her address that Sweden is committed to “further strengthening the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy”. The First Secretary also emphasized the long-standing and deep cultural ties between the two countries and the fact that “around 100,000 citizens of BiH origin currently live in Sweden”.

In his address during the ceremony, EUFOR Commander Major General Helmut Habermayer stated that “Sweden’s presence in the country symbolizes the commitment and will of all European states, expressing pride in the history of peacekeeping missions around the world”.

EUFOR is a strong, capable, and reliable partner for BiH and remains committed to supporting the BiH authorities in maintaining a safe and stable environment.