Remarks

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(As delivered)

Good morning everyone.
Today at the NAC, we are welcoming the three members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also our important partnership.
NATO’s engagement in the Western Balkans region is long-standing.
And just last week NATO Foreign Ministers reaffirmed our steadfast commitment to the region’s stability and to safeguarding the security in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
We continue to have concerns as a result of the latest developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Before our meeting, I would like to make three brief comments.
First, NATO firmly supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina in line or in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement.
The Dayton Peace Agreement must be respected. It is a cornerstone of stability and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s state architecture.
Secondly, the constitutional order in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be respected.
We will not accept any kind of security vacuum in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And we will not allow hard-won peace to be jeopardised. NATO remains closely aligned with its international partners.
A stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina will benefit all and it is also in our security interest.
Thirdly, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a valued partner.
We stand ready to further consolidate our cooperation.
Through the implementation of our Defence Capacity Building Package.
Through the daily efforts of our Headquarters in Sarajevo and our Political Engagement Support Cell.
Also through close cooperation with our international partners. Including EUFOR Operation Althea – which we continue to support via our Berlin Plus Arrangements.
And with the High Representative, whose authority must be preserved.
We all want to see Bosnia and Herzegovina advance on its European and Euro-Atlantic path. A lot has been already achieved in this respect. And we hope and expect, together with our partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina to build upon this foundation for the benefit of everyone living there.
We look forward to a productive and constructive engagement, and also, we look forward to a very successful NAC meeting.
Thank you.