Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez, together with Deputy Minister of Defense for Resource Management Aleksandar Goganović and Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff for Resources, Major General Mirsad Ahmić, received today on an official visit the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO David Baker.
The American delegation, led by Baker, included Brigadier General Chris McKinney, Deputy Director for Planning, Policy and Strategy (J5) at the US European Command (USEUCOM), Patrick Antonietti, Deputy Director for South and Central Europe in the Office of the US Secretary of Defense, Lieutenant Commander Christen Carpenter, Desk Officer in the J5 Department of the US European Command (USEUCOM), Major Shaun Tateishi, Deputy Military Attaché and Acting US Military Attaché in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Major John Oliver, Deputy US Military Attaché in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Helez expressed a warm welcome to the guests in Sarajevo, and his gratitude for their willingness to discuss topics of mutual interest again, with a special emphasis on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of defense.
“We are grateful that your arrival enabled the continuation of the dialogue initiated during the Bilateral Defense Consultations in Washington. Your commitment further strengthens partnership relations, and the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of BiH remain fully committed to deepening cooperation with the United States, especially in the field of defense, capacity development and strengthening interoperability,” emphasized Minister Helez.
Minister Helez emphasized that the Government of the United States of America, as a key strategic partner of BiH on the Euro-Atlantic path, remains the largest donor to the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of BiH through the FMS program, providing continuous support for capacity building.
Within the framework of the annual plan of bilateral military cooperation (Mil to Mil), more than 100 activities are being implemented, including the continuation of the aviation modernization process.
With the announced support of the USA through the “Total Package Approach” and the received congressional notification, BiH has begun the preparation of pilots and technical personnel. In parallel, BiH continues with the implementation of the MAP and partnership with NATO, through the ITPP and more than 180 annual events, including the NATO DEEP program and international exercises. Helez also emphasized that despite the complex security environment, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to strengthening its defense capacities and fulfilling key foreign policy and security goals, namely membership in NATO and the European Union.
“Our commitment to the path towards NATO and the European Union remains firm, because we believe that integrations are key steps towards strengthening the sovereignty, security and prosperity of our country. In this context, the partnership with the USA further strengthens our efforts and provides us with support in achieving these strategic goals,” Helez emphasized.
Baker thanked for the warm welcome and emphasized that the United States continues to monitor the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He particularly emphasized that the United States remains strongly committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was also emphasized that the partnership between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina contributes not only to strengthening regional security, but also brings numerous other, not only military, benefits.
During the tour of Baščaršija, Minister Helez and Baker together toured the sights of this historically famous part of Sarajevo. Minister Helez took the opportunity to introduce Baker to the rich cultural heritage and historical monuments that testify to the long history of the city of Sarajevo, the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced.
