Cooperation, reforms, security challenges dominate talks between Secretary General and Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Strengthening defence cooperation, implementing reforms and addressing shared security challenges were the main issues discussed between NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Dragan Čović during talks on Tuesday (8 December 2015) at NATO headquarters.
NATO Secretary General expressed his gratitude for the “deep partnership” between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He highlighted the Western Balkan country’s contribution to the Alliance’s mission in Afghanistan, its commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation, as well as the valuable training opportunities on integrity-building and gender issues, provided by the NATO-accredited Peace Support Operations Training Center in Sarajevo.
Mr. Stoltenberg reiterated the call made by NATO Foreign Ministers at their recent meeting (1-2 December) to the country’s leaders to work constructively and undertake the political, economic, and defence reforms necessary for Bosnia and Herzegovina to realise its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He welcomed the progress made on defence reforms, including on registration of immovable defence property. More progress on this issue is necessary in order to allow the Alliance to activate the country’s Membership Action Plan (MAP).
Dr. Čović and Mr. Stoltenberg agreed that activating the first Membership Action Plan cycle for Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a shared goal. NATO remains committed to a stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina and will continue to support its membership aspirations.