Minister of Defense Zukan Helez, accompanied by his deputies Slaven Galić and Aleksandar Goganović, received today on an inaugural visit the newly appointed German Ambassador to BiH, Alfred Grannas, and Colonel Marc Abendroth, the German Military Attaché.
Minister Helez thanked the Federal Republic of Germany for its strong and recent support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in the areas of defense and security.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Germany have long-standing and stable bilateral relations based on mutual respect, partnership and common interests. Germany is recognized as a reliable and proven partner of BiH, especially through multi-million-dollar donations that have significantly contributed to the modernization of infrastructure and strengthening the capacities of the Armed Forces of BiH,” said Helez.
So far, more than 15 million euros of assistance has been implemented in 17 locations across the country, including Rajlovac, Pazarić, Kozara, Kiseljak and Čapljina, while new projects worth 7.4 million euros include the reconstruction and construction of facilities in Pazarić, Čapljina, Kiseljak and Banja Luka.
Germany also continuously supports the education and professional development of members of the Armed Forces of BiH through the Military Assistance in Education Program, which enables the training of cadets and officers in renowned military institutions in Germany, contributing to the professionalization and interoperability of the Armed Forces of BiH in accordance with NATO and EU standards.
Ambassador Grannas emphasized in his address that the foreign policy focus of the new Government of the Federal Republic of Germany will be directed at the Western Balkans, and especially at Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves a place on our side, in NATO and the European Union, because that way we will all be safe. We are on your side and we will remain on your side,” said Grannas.
