COM EUFOR Major General Reinhard Trischak met with the BiH Minister of Defence Dr Sifet Podžić and Deputy Minister of Security Mr Nedeljko Jović, today in Sarajevo. The routine calls were an opportunity for COM EUFOR to discuss planning arrangements prior to the start of Exercise Quick Response 2020 (QR2020) in August this year and to talk over engagement and cooperation with AFBiH on wider themes.
COM EUFOR said;
“Joint exercises like Quick Response 2020 and day-to-day operational collaboration with AFBiH provide benefit for everyone in BiH. The more opportunities we get to work together the better it will be for all.”
Training and rehearsal for EUFOR troops prior to QR2020 is already underway at Butmir Camp as well as in the countries supplying quick-reaction forces such as Italy and the UK.
Dr Podžić welcomed the upcoming exercise and the cooperation opportunities it will bring for the AFBiH Infantry platoon and EOD specialists already committed. COM EUFOR also discussed with Dr Podžić arrangements to restart the Strategic Board meetings which have been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Deputy Minister of Security Mr Nedeljko Jović also welcomed the announcement to go ahead with QR2020 in August and was pleased to confirm cooperation with the security forces of BiH. COM EUFOR and Mr Jović discussed issues relating to migration which remain a security matter for BiH and the European Union to manage.
