The UK underlined its support for the integrity of the Bosnian state at a meeting today between the two countries’ defense ministers.
British Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey received Defense Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Zukan Helez and Deputy Minister Slaven Galić in London to discuss bilateral defense relations and the situation current security situation in the country.
Minister Heappey made clear that the UK is committed to supporting defense reforms and the continued development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s armed forces, as well as supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ambition for Euro membership. Atlantic.
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said:
It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Helez to London today following our meeting in Sarajevo in May, as part of our joint work to strengthen our bilateral defense relationship.
I expressed my concerns about the developments in Bosnia, making it clear that the United Kingdom fully supports the unity and integrity of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ministers discussed a range of issues including the bilateral defense relationship between the UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with both ministers expressing interest in further deepening their defense engagement.
During his visit to the United Kingdom, Minister Helez attended the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition and was also welcomed by Lord Peach, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, at the House of Lords of Parliament.
The UK will continue to work closely with its international partners to secure the renewal of the mandate of the European Union Force (EUFOR) within the UN and our Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Lord Peach, has recently issued a statement confirming the UK’s support for the High Representative. This happened after the Prime Minister received Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Member Dr Denis Bećirović in July to highlight the UK’s support.
The UK also supports the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), including through joint training and the provision of military equipment, including live fire targets, urban training facilities and search and rescue equipment; as well as the exchange of expertise.
Personnel from the British Army’s 1 Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment will also deploy to Bosnia and Herzegovina in October to train alongside AFBiH personnel.
This will help strengthen the overall capacity of the AFBiH and its ability to operate alongside other international forces. More than ever, in the wake of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, these types of defense and security partnerships help support the stability and security of a sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina.