Meeting of ZDK Civil Authorities with Representatives of BiH Armed Forces and NATO Held in Zenica

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Prime Minister of Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDK) Mirza Ganić and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Fahrudin Čolaković discussed today at the "7th Muslim Brigade" Barracks in Zenica with the Deputy Commander of the NATO Staff in Sarajevo, Brigadier Morten Henriksen, and the Commander of the 5th Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH), Brigadier Emir Klika.

The focus of the discussion was on the cooperation between ZDK civil authorities with the AFBiH and NATO during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Ganić thanked the NATO Staff for their contribution to strengthening peace and political stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are the foundation for the prosperity and better lives of all citizens.

He emphasized that this government is committed to establishing and strengthening cooperation with all structures dedicated to peace, development, and prosperity, especially the Armed Forces of BiH, which have provided significant support to civil authorities in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

"During the height of the pandemic, the AFBiH made their resources available for accommodating the infected, provided tents, beds, and blankets, helped us organize triage points in healthcare facilities, and, with the logistical assistance of NATO, disinfected facilities that were hotspots of the pandemic in Maglaj. The assistance of the AFBiH at a crucial moment signals that civil authorities can count on the support of the Armed Forces in their greatest need," said Ganić.

The Prime Minister of ZDK informed Brigadier Henriksen and Brigadier Klika about the activities undertaken by ZDK civil authorities after the outbreak of the pandemic to strengthen the capacities of the healthcare sector and protect citizens' lives, ensure support for the economy, and ultimately create conditions for the smooth start of the school year.

The Deputy Commander of the NATO Staff in BiH reiterated that NATO is committed to providing support to the Armed Forces of BiH and that such visits provide a better insight into the situation and work of the AF units in the field.

He expressed satisfaction with the good cooperation between the AFBiH units and the ZDK civil authorities, as well as with the Red Cross organization, whose representative also attended the meeting, it was announced from the ZDK Press Service.