The Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, met today with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Austria, Klaudia Tanner, during her official visit to this country, carried out at the invitation of Minister Tanner .
Minister Helez described the cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense as very fruitful. He particularly emphasized the importance of training members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and training cadets of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Republic of Austria, which is one of the indicators of the development of friendly relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina -Herzegovina and the Republic of Austria.
“The Republic of Austria, alongside the United States of America, Great Britain, Germany, Croatia and Turkey, is a key partner of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Euro-path. Atlantic,” underlined Minister Helez.
He also thanked Austria for its great contribution over many years through its leadership and participation in the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressed the hope that this type of support will continue in the same form and in the same capacity in the coming period. , with the aim of reflecting a safe and stable environment.
In this context, Minister Tanner approved Minister Helez’s proposal regarding the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and added that “it should expand its mandate and increase the number of its members.” She praised the cooperation between the two ministries so far, hoping that it will continue in the following period, and a return visit by Minister Tanner was also agreed.
A particular topic of discussion was the creation of the Western Balkans Defense and Security College, which would be headquartered in Sarajevo, and this was a European Union project whose leaders would be the Republic of Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the creation and financing of which would be supported by the European Union.
They also discussed security challenges in the region and beyond caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine and the current situation in Kosovo.
As a continuation of the visit, it is expected that the delegation of the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina will attend the cadet promotion ceremony at the prestigious Teresian Military Academy, where cadets of Bosnia and Herzegovina are also trained.