SARAJEVO, December 2 (FENA) – On this day 20 years ago, NATO Headquarters Sarajevo was established. For two decades, NATO has been working with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions to strengthen a mutually beneficial relationship, providing support for a stable, functional, and democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Our mission is underpinned by a long-standing partnership between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina. NATO strongly support the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For 20 years, the NATO Alliance has worked with the BiH institutions to foster our mutually-beneficial relationship, in support of a stable, functional and democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together, NATO and BiH have worked to reform BIH’s defence and security, ensuring democratic control of the Armed Forces and strengthening the transparency and accountability of the country’s defence institutions. NATO Headquarters Sarajevo has had and continues to have an important role in this endeavour, through its advisory role to BiH authorities.

We are also supporting BiH through a Defence Capacity Building package. This will help strengthen the country’ capabilities in areas like crisis management, cyber defence, response to natural disasters, countering terrorism. It will also contribute to further enhance the ability of BiH armed forces to cooperate effectively with NATO and Allied forces.

We have closely cooperated with the leading proponents of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the Armed Forces of BiH, promoting NATO’s values with real and long-lasting effects.

Our mission is about supporting lasting security for all people in BiH and to help safeguard regional stability. It is about promoting values such as democracy, freedom and the rule of law. It’s about creating the security conditions that would contribute to investment and economic growth. We also continue to provide support to the EU-led EUFOR Althea operation, under the Berlin Plus Arrangements. Ultimately, we believe our partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina is about improving the everyday lives of all BiH citizens. NATO’s Headquarters in Sarajevo, reinforced by the newly established Political Support Engagement Cell, are here to contribute to that end.

People of Bosnia and Herzegovina can count on NATO’s steadfast commitment and support, as we continue to work together for greater stability, security and a peaceful future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated the NATO HQ Sarajevo.