The Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, received this evening for an official visit a high-level delegation of the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, led by Minister Ruben Brekelmans, who is on a three-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The focus of the discussions was on the continuation of support for reforms in the defense sector, as well as on the Euro-Atlantic integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the meeting, which was attended by the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Deputy Chiefs of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of BiH, bilateral military cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of the Netherlands was discussed.
Minister Helez emphasized that the arrival of the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of the Netherlands at the highest level confirms the strong and continuous support of that country to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its Euro-Atlantic path. He emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands are long-standing and reliable partners and that BiH has the strong support of the Netherlands on its path towards Euro-Atlantic integration.
The significant contribution of the Netherlands to the modernization of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina was particularly emphasized, including support through the NATO Trust Fund “Perspective”, in which the Netherlands was among the largest donors. Helez also highlighted this country’s investments in the Peace Support Operations Training Center (PSOTC) of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its contribution within the EUFOR Althea mission.
The meeting also discussed the current political and security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On this occasion, Helez warned of the blockades of Euro-Atlantic integrations, which, he stated, come from the Republika Srpska, and emphasized the importance of continuing strong international support for Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially from NATO allies. Helez emphasized that NATO remains a key partner in strengthening the military defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The interlocutors assessed the cooperation in the field of defense to date as very good, with the expectation that it will be further improved in the coming period. The role of the military attaché of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who recently became resident in Sarajevo, was particularly emphasized, which should further contribute to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
“I am certain that today’s visit will further strengthen and enrich the already good relations between our countries, and contribute to the further strengthening of friendly ties and partnership cooperation in the field of defense and security,” said Helez.
As part of his three-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Brekelmans will visit the EUFOR Headquarters in Sarajevo, as well as the Memorial Park at Camp Butmir, where a memorial stone dedicated to the contribution of members of the international forces will be unveiled during a ceremony. He is also scheduled to visit members of the Dutch contingent within EUFOR, attend a demonstration of their capabilities, and learn about their tasks and engagement in maintaining peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, AA writes.
