The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, spoke today with the new Commander of the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, in which he emphasized the importance of the support of the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo to the strengthening of BiH institutions, the continuation of defense and security sector reforms, as well as the preservation of security and stability in BiH.
Among other things, he expressed his willingness to work together on the implementation of the Program of Reforms of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the coming period as well. Also, the importance of increasing professional exchange between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina was emphasized.
Bećirović pointed to the previous successful and continuous cooperation with the aim of improving the ability of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to protect the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and strengthen democratic control, transparency and responsibility of defense institutions.
The interlocutors noted that intensive cooperation and partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO continues. Among other things, this is confirmed by the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina will host the NATO Partnership 360 Symposium in October this year.
Commander of the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, expressed NATO’s commitment to lasting peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said that he will continue with activities aimed at supporting the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain high standards of training, promotion of democracy and the rule of law, as well as creating conditions for investments and economic development.
Bećirović confirmed his firm commitment to the intensification of the NATO integration process, in accordance with the Constitution and the Law on Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He reminded that the key strategic goals of Bosnia and Herzegovina are full membership in the EU and NATO.
He pointed out that joining NATO is a common interest of Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO. Also, he said that this would strengthen the security of Southeast Europe, and provide an additional incentive for attracting direct foreign investments and creating new jobs.
During the conversation, it was emphasized that the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina successfully and actively contributed to NATO peace support operations, following the principle of NATO interoperability, as well as the response to natural disasters and crises, Bećirović’s Cabinet announced.
