BiH Minister of Defense Zukan Helez, on the third day of his official visit to the USA, met with the highest civilian and military officials of the American federal state of Maryland in Annapolis.
Helez introduced the interlocutors to “the fact that despite the challenges that are primarily reflected in obstructions and blockages in decision-making at the strategic level, the MoD and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are still firmly committed to improving existing cooperation and expanding it with partners, as well as joint participation in future international exercises”.
“The partnership between our two countries is a positive example of extremely successful cooperation, which is primarily reflected in support for the implementation of defense reform on BiH’s path to full membership in NATO. With your immeasurable support, the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina have become a credible and reliable partner when it comes to responding to contemporary security challenges,” said Minister Helez.
During the conversation, special emphasis was placed on issues of cyber security, intensification of joint activities and raising the cooperation of NG Maryland and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to a higher level.
Minister Helez proposed the establishment of cooperation in the field of economy, with an emphasis on the export possibilities of dedicated industry in BiH, cooperation in the field of medicine and healthcare, in the form of exchange and training of medical experts and students, organizing joint scientific and research gatherings, creating conditions for organ transplantation which is currently carried out abroad, is also carried out in medical centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the establishment of cooperation in the field of culture.
The minister also handed over letters of intent for cooperation in the fields of economy, health and culture, and handed over an invitation from the mayor of Sarajevo to the governor and secretary of state of Maryland to visit the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the “Sarajevo Film Festival”, when a memorandum of understanding and expansion would be signed. civil cooperation between our two countries.
Helez thanked the civilian and military leadership of Maryland for the persistent partnership and selfless support provided by the MoD and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the State Partnership Program.
“Investing in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an investment in a safer and more stable future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all its citizens,” emphasized the Minister.
