The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, participated today in the session of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) in Sarajevo, where she once again pointed out BiH’s firm determination to ensure collective security and stability in the region and in the world and combat threats such as terrorism and organized crime.
In addition to chairperson Kristo and Deputy Secretary General of NATO Mircea Geoan, the session was attended by the deputy chairperson, Minister of Defense Zukan Helez, Minister of Security Nenad Nešić and Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković.
During her address, Kristo emphasized that this meeting as well as the recent meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirm the strengthening of the partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO. Cooperation with NATO, as she pointed out, includes necessary reforms crucial for the country’s European path, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced.
Krišto once again pointed to BiH’s firm commitment to ensuring collective security and stability in the region and in the world, as well as combating threats such as terrorism and organized crime. She also pointed out that the priorities of BiH’s foreign policy remain cooperation with NATO, European integration and the development of good neighborly relations and regional cooperation.
She stated that BiH continues to work on improving the security system and strengthening defense capacities, which, she said, are key to preserving the country’s stability.
Summarizing the results of the past year, Kristo emphasized that consensus remains the principle of the Council of Ministers’ work and that it is extremely important to reach a political consensus of all three constituent nations on key issues concerning the stability and future of BiH.
Intensification of activities related to the reform of electoral legislation is considered crucial for further progress. Thanks to NATO’s approved aid package, Bosnia and Herzegovina will strengthen its defense capabilities with the amount of 48 to 53 million euros over five years. The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, expressed her belief in the continuation of cooperation with NATO and a further step in relations and processes, according to the press release.
Members of the NAC, led by Deputy Secretary General of NATO Mircea Geoan, previously held a meeting with Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Željko Komšić and Member of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović, from which it was announced that NATO remains firmly committed to cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina in preserving its peace and stability.
The announcement of the Presidency added that the ambassadors of the NAC member countries believe that the security of BiH is very important for the Western Balkans and Europe and that BiH has a key role for the stability of the region, and they called on the authorities in BiH to continue reforms of the defense and security system.
Komšić and Bećirović said that this visit by NAC members is a great support for Bosnia and Herzegovina and an excellent opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO.