NATO Secretary Common Jens Stoltenberg began his four-day go to to the Western Balkans this week (19 – 22 November 2023) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, stating that “NATO has been dedicated to Bosnia-Herzegovina for a few years. Your safety issues for the Western Balkans area and it issues for Europe”.
In his remarks with the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, the Secretary Common mentioned that “Allies strongly help the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia-Herzegovina.” He expressed issues about secessionist and divisive rhetoric, and malign international interference together with from Russia, that threatens to undermine stability and hamper reforms. He referred to as on “all political leaders to protect unity, construct nationwide establishments, and obtain reconciliation”.
The Secretary Common underlined NATO’s deepening political and sensible cooperation with Boznia-Herzegovina, together with by way of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo that helps the EU-led Operation Althea, and a brand new defence capability constructing bundle that can assist strengthen Bosnia-Herzegovina’s capabilities in disaster administration, cyber defence, and countering terrorism. Mr Stoltenberg visited NATO Headquarters Sarajevo the place he thanked Brigadier Common Pamela McGaha and NATO employees for supporting peace and stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mr Stoltenberg additionally met the Excessive Consultant for Bosnia-Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, the place he praised the “glorious cooperation” together with his workplace. “We need to see a peaceable nation on the coronary heart of a secure area, and your efforts as Excessive Consultant are very important to the unity and to the reconciliation of this nation,” he mentioned.
The Secretary Common will proceed his go to to the area, travelling to Kosovo right this moment for conferences with Ms Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and Mr Albin Kurti. On Tuesday, Mr Stoltenberg will meet President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić in Serbia. Later that day, he’ll journey to the Republic of North Macedonia to fulfill President Stevo Pendarovski and Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski. On Wednesday, the Secretary Common will take part in a gathering with Allied leaders from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia.
