Numerous high profile officials attended the ceremony and presentation Wednesday on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of Bosnia’s Armed Forces.

In his address, the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of BiH, Colonel General Senad Masovic, pointed out that in the past 16 years, the Armed Forces have strengthened and developed into a recognizable military force both in the region and beyond.

“Over the past 16 years, through professional and responsible execution of the law on the prescribed mission, both in the country and abroad, the AF BiH have gained the trust of domestic government institutions, the population, but also a significant international reputation. The results were not lacking, on the contrary, we achieved numerous achievements. The battalion group of the BiH AF combat infantry showed high professionalism and the level of training in accordance with NATO standards,” said Masovic.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Baroness Annabel Goldie, pointed out that her greatest privilege in this work is the constant contact she has with members of BiH Armed Forces.

“I have personally seen the commitment and service they bring to their work, protecting us and our allies around the world. As I stand in BiH, I strongly feel the military legacy of the United Kingdom in this country in a role that has been important, both in securing peace and the future. Renovated military clinics in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Capljina and Tuzla, which will help members of the Armed Forces get the best care, a system of precision shooting with live ammunition which we handed over at Manjaca (training grounds) last month with all the improvements in weapons handling, places for you at our military academies, joint efforts we make for salaries…. so much is being done and so much remains to be done,” Goldie said.

In his address, Sifet Podzic, the BiH Defence Minister, pointed out that December 1 is one of the big dates that is celebrated in all parts of BiH, that is why it is not only important for the Ministry, but for the state as well.

He recalled that this year the BiH Armed Forces began their engagement in the arrangement of the migrant camp Lipa near Bihac when they prevented the escalation of a significant humanitarian crisis in BiH.

“We’re ending 2021 with the good news: the Council of the European Peace Fund unanimously approved a donation worth €10 million for the purchase of vehicle equipment for our demining battalion. Next week, we will present to our citizens the largest investment in the Armed Forces of BiH since their establishment on January 1, 2006. years. Cooperation with NATO has continued. The NATO headquarters in Brussels sent an agreement in August this year for a self-assessment of the BiH reform program in 2020. Its content shows positive impressions from the NATO headquarters, as well as the support of BiH and encouragement towards that path” Minister Podzic said.