The Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, spoke with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Albania, Pirro Vengu, on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the signatories of the American-Adriatic Charter (A-5), which was held in Sarajevo.
Although BiH and Albania do not have an officially signed plan for bilateral military cooperation, the interlocutors noted that both countries share common Euro-Atlantic values and face similar security challenges. Possibilities for improving mutual military cooperation were discussed.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania are historically close countries and we have a common interest in strengthening peace and stability in our region. Mutual understanding and participation in multilateral initiatives strengthen our relations and pave the way for even closer cooperation,” said Helez.
The interlocutors emphasized that both countries are active participants in regional initiatives such as the US-Adriatic Charter (A-5) and the South-East Europe Defense Ministers’ Cooperation Initiative (SEDM), under whose auspices the South-East Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) operates, as well as the Balkan Military Medical Force (BMTF).
Members of the Albanian Armed Forces are also present in the Peace Support Operations Training Center (SOOPM/PSOTC) of the Armed Forces of BiH. Albanian Minister of Defense Vengu congratulated Minister Helez on the effective chairmanship of the A-5 initiative during this period and emphasized that Euro-Atlantic institutions are the best framework for building peace in the region and Europe.
On the sidelines of the A-5 ministerial meeting, which discussed strengthening the resilience of the countries of the region to modern security threats, Helez also met unofficially with the Minister of Defense of Kosovo, Ejup Maqedonci, the Ministry of Defense of BiH announced.
