The second Mostar Security Forum began today in Mostar—an international conference devoted to contemporary security challenges, hybrid threats, strategic communication, and strengthening institutional societal resilience.
The Forum, organized by the Institute for Hybrid Conflict Research and the University of Mostar, with the support of NATO partners and international institutions, gathered domestic and international experts from the field of security, the academic community, institutions, and international organizations. The event is aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation at a time of increasingly prominent global security challenges.
NATO Representatives Attend the Forum
Gordan Akrap, Vice-Rector of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Defense and Security University, stated that the forum in Mostar is an opportunity to point out all security challenges within the NATO alliance, with a special emphasis on those particularly prevalentin Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I am extremely pleased that the conference will be attended by representatives from the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, who recognized that this is truly a solution and that there is a way, through constructive cooperation and communication, to fulfill all the preconditions that can and should lead Bosnia and Herzegovina towards Euro-Atlantic integrations,” Akrap said.
According to him, those who think NATO has no future are mistaken.
“The future of NATO lies in strengthening the internal capacitiesof EU Member States and allies within the NATO alliance, but also in strengthening our defense and preventive capabilities in addressing the security challenges we will face. The topics of the forum include ways to strengthen society and the population’s ability to recognize threats, and how to fight against numerous untruths and disinformation in the world, which are especially prevalent in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Akrap said.
Strategic Importance of the Western Balkans
Vladimir Vučinić, NATO Ambassador to BiH, highlighted that such conferences are the best way to discuss all of today’s security challenges.
“The Western Balkans is of strategic importance for NATO because the security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans is essential for the security of Europe. Therefore, we are committed to strengthening the capacities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country’s resilience. Today, we will discuss ways to help through practical cooperation, as well as the DCB (Defense Capacity Building) Package in the field of defense and security,” Vučinić said.
He emphasized that, in this context, it is necessary for Bosnia and Herzegovina to take responsibility for its actions and decision-making, and that NATO is there to help, both through practical cooperation and dialogue.
“We Are All Exposed to Threats”
Davor Božinović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, expressed his satisfaction that the Mostar Security Forum is gaining importance and that the mere fact that the event is sponsored by NATO speaks volumes about the high priority this part of Europe holds.
“Croatia is a strong advocate for the European and North Atlantic path of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We believe this is the best option for all citizens, all three constituent peoples, and the country itself. This is also good for Croatia because today, we are all exposed to these types of threats. Without cooperation in this field, it is difficult to ensure prosperity for our citizens and this part of the European continent,” he said.
Božinović concluded that dialogue on shared issues is the foundation of the security struggle. He stated that at a time when news mostly comes from war zones around the world, “he is very pleased that Mostar and BiH are in the focus of international organizations and that the support of the Republic of Croatia is always present.”, N1 writes.
