The principal political decision-making body within NATO, the North Atlantic Council (NAC), led by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană, is set to embark on a crucial visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1 to 2 February 2024.
The visit, at the invitation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, holds significant diplomatic weight as NATO officials engage with key representatives of the country. On 1 February, the Deputy Secretary General and NATO Ambassadors are scheduled to meet with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the beginning of high-level discussions.
Later in the afternoon of the same day, the NAC will convene with the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with other Council members. Following this meeting, the Deputy Secretary General and the Chairwoman will address the press, shedding light on the discussions held and the shared objectives between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Further interactions are planned, including a meeting with the Collegium of the Parliamentary Assembly, underlining NATO’s commitment to engaging with multiple facets of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political landscape.
On 2 February 2024, the agenda will expand to include sessions with representatives from a local think tank and students from universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This educational component emphasizes the importance of dialogue with the future leaders of the country.
In the afternoon, the NAC, along with the Deputy Secretary General, will delve into discussions regarding practical cooperation between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The visit will culminate with a tour of the Rajlovac military base, providing firsthand insights into the collaborative efforts between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the realm of defense and security.
The delegation, comprising the Deputy Secretary General and NATO Ambassadors, will engage in crucial discussions with counterparts, including the Commander of the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, Brigadier General Pamela McGaha, Major General László Sticz, the incoming Commander of the European Union Force in BiH, and Mr. Christian Schmidt, the High Representative for BiH. Additionally, interactions with representatives of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina underscore the broader geopolitical context in which these discussions unfold.
This visit not only signifies NATO’s commitment to regional partnerships but also underscores the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration in addressing shared challenges and advancing mutual interests between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
