prijava
SARAJEVO, October 25 (FENA) - Admiral Robert P. Burke, Commander of the Allied Command Naples, was welcomed today at Camp Butmir by Brigadier General Eric Folkestad, Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, and Major General Alexander Platzer, Commander of EUFOR.
During the visit, Admiral Burke reaffirmed NATO's commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a stable Bosnia and Herzegovina, said the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.
In addition to talks on ongoing cooperation between NATO and EUFOR and joint activities on the reform and modernization of BiH Defense and Security Forces with Brigadier General Eric Folkestad and Major General Alexander Platzer, Admiral Burke also spoke with the US Ambassador to BiH Eric Nelson, Colonel Senad Mašović, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Major General Ivica Jerkić, Deputy Chief of Staff and Herzegovina for Operations, and Major General Gojko Knežević, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Resources.
"The stability and security of the Western Balkans is important for NATO and for peace and stability in Europe. NATO Headquarters Sarajevo is committed to continuing practical cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. NATO also continues to support Euro-Atlantic reform efforts for the benefit of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina," Burke said.
Admiral Burke heads a command representing thirty NATO member states and is responsible for planning, preparing and conducting military operations throughout the area of responsibility of the Allied Commander Europe.
The command oversees three missions in the Western Balkans: Kosovo Force (KFOR), NATO Headquarters Sarajevo and the NATO Military Liaison Office in Belgrade.
"NATO military and civilian officials work closely with all segments of the Ministry of Defense and the BiH Armed Forces, we know each other very well and will continue to support the authorities in implementing much-needed reforms in all areas of life: improving security, strengthening democracy and greater prosperity for all in BiH," said Admiral Burke.
Working together, he added, brings benefits to everyone, makes us better, stronger and more ready to face the security challenges of today that are constantly changing and becoming more complicated.
"In the common Euro-Atlantic region, we face the same security challenges. Dialogue and cooperation are important in order to address them effectively," said Admiral Burke.
On the occasion of his visit, Brigadier General Folkestad said that his team's close relationship with EUFOR, shown to Admiral Burke in today's discussions, as well as during regular joint briefings, emphasizes the separate but complementary nature of their missions.
"Together we are creating a safe and stable environment and framework to support reforms that bring immediate benefits to members of the BiH Armed Forces, but also to every citizen of BiH and the region," he said.
(FENA) S. R.
