BRUSSELS, December 18 (FENA) – The security of Bosnia and Herzegovina is important for the region and the alliance, and we will not allow the hard-earned peace to be jeopardized, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte after a meeting with the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, in Brussels.

As he emphasized, NATO has been committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina for almost three decades.

“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement, our commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina and regional stability remains strong,” Rutte pointed out, stressing that a stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina and a peaceful Western Balkans are strategic interests of the Alliance.

Rutte commended the reforms so far and emphasized the importance of NATO’s assistance. He also noted that NATO continues to work in cooperation with the European Union through the EUFOR Althea operation.

He called on political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to work together in the spirit of reconciliation and to preserve the functionality of state institutions.

Chair Cvijanović said that the discussion with Rutte covered all issues and expressed satisfaction that both sides are committed to continuing good cooperation. She emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina values NATO’s long-standing support in capacity-building and security reforms.

“It is very important to emphasize that there are no real security threats in the country. Everything that is happening within Bosnia and Herzegovina relates to political issues that are being addressed in the political arena democratically and constructively. I believe that this is the essence of democracy – allowing everyone to express their views and concerns,” Cvijanović underlined.

She also thanked Rutte for his stance on the Dayton Agreement.

“This is the agreement on which my country is based, which enables its functioning and survival. I thank you for supporting it, as well as the European integration process. I find it extremely important to hear such confirmation from you. I am confident that our cooperation will continue to be successful,” Cvijanović concluded.