The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina know that they can count on the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina at any moment, Defence Minister Zukan Helez said on Tuesday at a ceremonial handover of duty of the Commander of the 5th Infantry Brigade at the Dubrave barracks in Tuzla.

Speaking at the ceremony, Helez said that today's handover, like all the others that will follow in the coming days, is a legal obligation and is carried out within the framework of the change of the general structure in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The defence reform in our country is the most successful post-war reform in BiH. The Armed Forces of BiH are multi-ethnic and present in every part of our country. The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina know that they can count on the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina at any moment,” the minister stressed.

He also praised the activities and members of the 5th Infantry Brigade in carrying out their tasks, and for the successful and timely implementation of all activities, he singled out Brigadier General Emir Klika as the most deserving.

He wished the newly appointed Brigadier Fahir Zilic a successful continuation of the leadership of the 5th Infantry Brigade and congratulated him on his appointment.

In the end, Helez stressed that the Armed Forces of BiH are a pillar of sovereignty, but also a pillar of stability and security for all citizens and ethnicities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Today I can proudly say that we have a strong Armed Forces, stronger than ever before,” Helez said.