Closing ceremony of exercise 'Quick Response 2017'

The closing ceremony of exercise 'Quick Response 2017' concluded months of planning and joint endeavor of EUFOR, the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Defense BiH.

The Exercise Director, Brigadier General József Szpisják congratulated all of the participating soldiers for their hard work and commitment in making the exercise a huge success and thanked them for their professionalism and enthusiasm throughout.

'Quick Response 2017' was a EUFOR led operation in support of peace. It lasted from 11 to 15 October in Sarajevo, Pazaric and Kalinovik.

EUFOR Commander, General Major Anton Waldner said that the exercise was the opportunity to increase interoperability with both the Armed Forces BiH and law enforcement agencies of BiH.

- At the strategic level, the European Union remains committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina and through EUFOR’s presence will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment on the country’s path to EU accession. Therefore your presence in this high profile exercise helps reinforce this strategic objective, said Major Waldner addressing the soldiers at the ceremony.

‘Quick Response 2017’ successfully demonstrated EUFOR’s capability to call in reserve forces in order to maintain a safe and secure environment in support of local authorities, law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of BiH.

EUFOR is able to draw on mobile and versatile Over the Horizon Reserve forces, if required, to augment in-theatre forces and deal with any military contingency that arises as well as supporting the Ministry of Security and Ministry of Defense, it was said in EUFOR's press release.