Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli stated here on Wednesday that his country will continue supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on its path to the European Union (EU) and NATO integration.
During his meeting with BiH Defense Minister Marina Pendes, Canikli pointed out on the importance of BiH geostrategic position for stability in the Balkans, Europe and the world.
“If there is no stability in BiH, there is no stability in the Balkans, and if there is no stability in the Balkans there is neither in Europe nor in the world,” Canikli pointed out, stressing the importance of institutional engagement in the process of preserving stability and peace.
He emphasized that BiH will have a full support from Turkey in its attempt to become a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO and added that Turkish side is ready to expand the cooperation more.
During the meeting, Canikli and Pendes discussed bilateral military cooperation and highlighted that peace, stability and security of BiH is a key factor not only for Europe but also globally.
For her part, Pendes informed her counterpart on the fulfillment of the conditions for activation of the NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP), modernization of BiH Armed Forces, destruction of weapons surpluses and participation of BiH soldiers in peace keeping operations worldwide. She highlighted gratitude for Turkish support in the education of BiH Armed Forces members in Turkey, as well as the financial support for the development and modernization of BiH army.
The Chairman of BiH Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic expressed the gratitude for financial support in the amount of 8 million KM (4,7 million U.S. dollars) which Turkey provided for cadet training projects and donations of military equipment.
Interlocutors agreed that stability of BiH is prerequisite for stability in the wider region. (1 U.S. dollar=1,68 KM)
