NATO Secretary General meets with the Chair of the Tri-Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sefik Džaferović
The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that political dialogue and practical cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina “are more important than ever, with Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine and its malign influence across the region”. Speaking after a meeting with the Chair of the Tri-Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sefik Džaferović at NATO Headquarters on Wednesday, 25 May 2022, Mr. Stoltenberg stressed that NATO strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and “remains committed to its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, for the benefit of all your people.”
Mr. Stoltenberg said that NATO will do even more to stand with partners and that by stepping up political and practical support “we can help build resilience and prevent any future aggression”. “We have just had a very constructive discussion on how we can further deepen our cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina”, he said.
During the meeting, the Secretary General also discussed NATO’s role in Operation ALTHEA. He said that NATO’s cooperation with the European Union on this remains essential and that NATO will continue to support this important EU operation. The Secretary General highlighted the importance of the unified structures of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the armed forces, one of the country’s strongest multi-ethnic institutions. He stressed that these institutions are absolutely vital for the stability of the country and they must be preserved.
“I urge all sides to stop divisive rhetoric and take concrete steps towards reconciliation”, he said. The Chair of the Tri-Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sefik Džaferović also met with the North Atlantic Council for an exchange of views.