The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, met with the new Commander of the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, Brigadier General James C. Fowler, when he stated that the full membership of BiH in the European Union and NATO are key strategic goals of the country, while Fowler said that NATO remains firmly committed to strengthening the partnership with BiH and supporting its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the development of defense capabilities.
The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina pointed out that joining NATO is a common interest of Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO, and that NATO integration is crucial for long-term security, stability and strengthening of the defense capacities of our country.
Bećirović, among other things, said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BiH’s accession to NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, assessing that the 20-year cooperation between BiH and NATO has contributed to strengthening defense capacities, improving the interoperability of the Armed Forces of BiH with the armed forces of NATO member states, as well as strengthening the overall security and stability of BiH and the region.
The Chairman of the BiH Presidency pointed out the importance of intensifying activities related to the implementation of the BiH Reform Program in the coming period. He also pointed out the importance of continuing reforms in the defense and security sector, as well as further strengthening of cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO, including support for the development of the capacities of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and increasing interoperability with the Alliance.
He emphasized the importance of the support of the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo to the strengthening of BiH institutions, the preservation of peace, security and stability in BiH. In this context, he emphasized the importance of our country joining the Alliance and reminded Brigadier General James C. Fowler that at the meeting of the BiH Presidency with the North Atlantic Council, he suggested that Bosnia and Herzegovina be invited to join NATO as soon as possible.
Commander of the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo, Brigadier General James C. Fowler, emphasized that the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo remains firmly committed to strengthening the partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He also expressed his determination to continue strengthening the defense and security sector of BiH and support the sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of the country.
He said that he will cooperate closely with partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to strengthen the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and improve their capabilities, and to expand joint training and deepen the partnership between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He also pointed out that it is important for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain high training standards, as well as that he expects that the next evaluation of the Light Infantry Battalion Combat Group of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina by NATO will be very successful, as it was in previous years, announced the Cabinet of the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović.
