Bosnia’s Deputy prime minister and Minister of Defence, Zukan Helez, met with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius during an official visit to Berlin.

The meeting highlighted the strong, friendly relations between the two countries, which both sides agreed should continue to grow. Pistorius pointed to a visit by a German delegation to Bosnia in February as proof of these ties.

The discussions covered various topics, including bilateral cooperation, economic and civil society issues, and defence capacity-building programs. Both ministers emphasized the strong and ongoing cooperation between the defence ministries and armed forces of both countries.

Helez expressed gratitude for the warm reception and praised Germany as a reliable partner supporting Bosnia's path toward EU and NATO integration. He noted that Germany has been assisting Bosnia for many years, including support for the development of the country's defence infrastructure. Between 2024 and 2025, Germany is expected to fund 11 infrastructure projects for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Helez also highlighted Bosnia's progress in EU integration, with the country conditionally starting membership negotiations this year, dependent on completing 14 reform priorities. He mentioned the potential for Bosnia to receive €70 million in EU grants as part of the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

One of the key topics of the meeting was the control and protection of Bosnia's airspace, with the EU agreeing to assist Bosnia in this area.

Helez presented Pistorius with a Srebrenica flower and invited him to the 30th-anniversary commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide. He also thanked Germany for supporting the Srebrenica Resolution.