The Deputy Chair of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Council of Ministers and Minister of Defence, Zukan Helez, along with a delegation from Bosnia's Ministry of Defence, is on an official visit to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence in Ankara.

On Tuesday, Minister Helez met with Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, who received him with full military and state honours.

Their discussions focused on bilateral military cooperation, Euro-Atlantic integration, Turkey's sustained support for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), security issues in the Western Balkans and globally, and other topics of mutual importance.

A highlight of the visit was the signing of a significant Framework Agreement, enabling a 10-year partnership for helicopter pilot training for the Ministry of Defence and the AFBiH with the Turkish company ASFAT. A contract was also signed to train six AFBiH pilot candidates, with several pilots expected to travel to Turkey next week to begin their training.

Minister Helez noted that thanks to Turkey, this partnership directly addresses the AFBiH’s pilot staffing needs.

This agreement is the culmination of a long-term project to develop military aviation expertise, which has been in the works since 2015.

“The defence cooperation between our two countries is robust, and as a NATO member, Turkey plays a crucial role in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress toward EU and NATO integration. Turkey’s contribution to NATO's presence in Sarajevo and its significant role in maintaining peace and stability are also of great value,” Helez stated.

Minister Helez acknowledged Turkey’s important role in supporting defence system reforms, training of AFBiH personnel, modernisation, and promoting a secure and stable environment.

Through agreements on military-financial support and the Implementation Protocol between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Turkish Government, Turkey has consistently provided funds to modernise and equip the AFBiH.

“This support allows AFBiH to access Turkish defence industry products, thereby bolstering our material and technical resources,” said Helez.

Helez also extended his gratitude to ASFAT representatives for their work in refurbishing 20 M60 A3 tanks and 20 M113 armoured personnel carriers for the AFBiH, while simultaneously training AFBiH personnel in the maintenance of these vehicles.

An ASFAT team of 13 recently visited Bosnia to complete these repairs and conduct maintenance training.

The contract for spare parts and maintenance services with ASFAT, valued at over two million dollars, represents the largest investment to date in combat equipment maintenance for the Ministry of Defence and AFBiH, funded by the Turkish government.

Minister Güler expressed satisfaction with the visit, noting the commitment of both nations to strengthen their long-standing friendship.

During his visit, Minister Helez also toured ASFAT facilities and the Turkish Armed Forces’ Special Forces Command, as reported by Bosnia’s Ministry of Defence.