NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said today in Sarajevo after a meeting with the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, and members of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, that NATO remains committed to supporting BiH’s Euro-Atlantic path.

 ”Today we discussed the security situation in BiH and the region. Allies strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of your country. We are concerned about secessionist and divisive rhetoric, as well as external influence, especially from Russia,” said Stoltenberg.

This, he added, threatens to undermine stability and weaken reforms. He stressed that all leaders must work for unity and progress, adding that this is essential for the country’s stability and security.

”It is extremely important to us and we are committed to the stability and security of this region. NATO is committed to years of stability in your country, which is of great importance both for BiH and for the entire region of the Western Balkans. Therefore, we are deepening our cooperation, our political dialogue, and our practical cooperation,” added Stoltenberg.

He stated that the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo supports the European Union Altea Mission and that NATO and its allies remain committed to the success of that mission and welcome the unanimous adoption of the extension of that mission in the UN Security Council.

”We support your reform efforts, as well as the package for building defense capabilities. This will strengthen BiH’s ability to respond to natural and other disasters, as well as in the field of cyber security. Every country has the right to choose its security arrangements without outside interference,” stated Stoltenberg, and commended BiH for the success it achieved on its path to the EU.