Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Minister of Defense Zukan Helez opened the 17th Conference of Heads of Military Intelligence Institutions of South-East Europe (SEEMIC) in Sarajevo today, hosted by the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
In his opening remarks, Helez said that it was a great honor for our country to host this year’s conference, the theme of which was “The Impact of Organized Crime on the Security of South-East Europe”.
“I am sure you will agree that organized crime represents one of the most complex and dangerous threats to the stability of the region, but also of the world. It is transnational, flexible and deeply rooted in social and economic trends. Criminal networks endanger democracy, the rule of law and economic development, and pose a serious threat to national and regional security,” Minister Helez emphasized.
He added that the armed forces of the countries of the region must be the strategic pillar of the security system, because their role goes beyond the classic functions of defense. They, as he said, are becoming key players in strengthening the resilience of society, supporting civil institutions and an integrated response to threats.
“Organized crime operates through networks, so our response must be a network of cooperation. Without it, every country remains vulnerable, and the region is exposed to such threats,” Helez emphasized.
Speaking about the vision of security in Southeast Europe, the minister emphasized that it must be based on regional cooperation and membership in Euro-Atlantic organizations.
“For Bosnia and Herzegovina, membership in NATO and the European Union is not just a political goal, but a historical necessity. NATO and the EU are not just organizations, they represent a system of values in which collective security, the rule of law and democratic principles are valued. By joining NATO, we send a clear message that we want a stable security environment and that we are ready to cooperate with partners in preserving peace and security, both in the region and in the world,” Helez emphasized.
He added that joint exercises, interoperability, institutional connections and constant communication mean building trust in the region and beyond.
“Our vision must be clear: a safe, stable and prosperous Southeast Europe, in which the armed forces and security institutions are connected in a functional network of cooperation. This is the path that guarantees the strengthening of regional resilience, international credibility and long-term stability and development,” stated Helez.
At the end of his address, Minister Helez said that “the security of our region depends on our ability to think and act strategically, to cooperate visionarily and together to build security and stability that will not be just a reaction to threats, but a proactive shield for future generations”.
The Minister concluded that he sees this forum as a strong foundation for regional security cooperation, emphasizing that only functional and equal cooperation brings true security benefits for the entire region, and wished the participants a successful and fruitful work at the conference, the Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Defense of BiH announced.
