On 19-20 July 2022, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he met with members of the Presidency, the Minister of Defence, Mr Sifet Podzic and the Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Senad Mašović. He also visited the Tactical Support Brigade HQ, the Intelligence-Security Agency and the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.
After an official Honour Guard, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Bauer sat down with the Bosnian Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Senad Mašović. Discussions focused on the regional security environment, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the outcomes of the recent NATO Summit in Madrid. Admiral Bauer then met with Defence Minister Podzic. “NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina have a long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership, based on constructive dialogue, mutual respect and practical cooperation. Together, we contribute to the stability and security in the Western Balkans”, highlighted Admiral Bauer.
Later on, Admiral Bauer headed to the Bosnian Intelligence-Security Agency, in charge of monitoring the ongoing security situation in the region as well as potential security threats to the country, including terrorism, espionage and organised crime. The Chair then visited the Bosnian Tactical Support Brigade HQ, where he met its Commander, Colonel Jasmin Čajić and attended an operational capabilities presentation. “We are grateful for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s continued contributions to our shared Euro-Atlantic security, for example, by contributing troops to NATO missions; by training NATO and Partners troops during its annual disaster preparedness exercise; and offering specialised Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Military Police units to the NATO Response Force”, added the Chair.
The programme concluded with a visit to NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, whose primary mission is to advise and assist all institutions and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina on defence and security sector reform and NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) activities. Meeting with its Commander, Brigadier General Pamela McGaha, Admiral Bauer underlined the important role played by the HQ in the region. “NATO’s mission in BiH today is one based on partnership. While NATO’s relationship with BiH has changed over time, our commitment to helping bring peace, security and prosperity to the region has not”, emphasised Admiral Bauer.