site.btaDefence Minister Stoyanov: Bulgaria Backs Extension of EU Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina

"Maintaining stability in the countries of the Western Balkans, together with the promotion of their European perspective and Euro-Atlantic orientation, are a priority for Bulgaria. Our country supports the efforts of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue the implementation of reforms on the path towards the EU and in the context of Euro-Atlantic integration," said Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, quoted by his ministry, after a meeting with his counterpart Sifet Podzic in Sarajevo on September 26. 

"In today's complex security situation, it is necessary to continue to develop and deepen cooperation between the two countries, including between our defence ministries," Minister Stoyanov said. He noted that he and Minister Podzic discussed the possibilities for expansion of the exchange of experience regarding the reforms of the armed forces of the two countries, as well as cooperation in the field of military education and qualification. "The Bulgarian higher military schools and our Military Academy are at a very high level and I would be happy to see students from Bosnia and Herzegovina in our military educational institutions," Minister Stoyanov said. 

"Bulgaria is ready to continue its participation in the EU Operation Althea and take over its command if necessary. The operation has a key role to maintaining stability and security, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region as a whole. We would like to continue to contribute to stability and security in the country through our participation in the operation," Minister Stoyanov said. In his words, the extension of the current mandate of the operation, which expires in November 2022, by the UN Security Council is all the more important in the context of the radically changed security situation following the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Minister Stoyanov underlined that Bulgaria strongly condemns the war in Ukraine.

"The EU operation is very important to the security in Bosnia and Herzegovina and should continue. We are very pleased that the Bulgarian military contingent will participate in it as before," Minister Sifet Podzic said.

"Currently Bulgaria is participating with 118 Bulgarian servicemen - 12 in the Operation Headquarters in Sarajevo and 106 in the Intermediate Reserve Force. If necessary, we are ready to increase the size of our national contingent," Minister Stoyanov said in response to a journalist's question.

In the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Stoyanov held meetings with Vice Chair of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affair, Bisera Turkovic, and with the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sefik Dzaferovic. They thanked Bulgaria for having recognized first Bosnia and Herzegovina's independence 30 years ago.

The delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, will visit the Butmir base where they will meet with the Bulgarian military contingent participating in the EU operation Althes. Minister Stoyanov will also hold talks with Operation Commander Major General Anton Wessely, and Commander of NATO Headquarters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brigadier General Pamela McGaha.