Germany boosts Bosnian military capability with specialised transport fleet

The Technical Agreement formalising the donation of the five vehicles was signed today in Sarajevo by BiH Defence Minister Zukan Helez and Colonel Marc Abendroth, the Defence Attaché for the Federal Republic of Germany in BiH.

Given that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in BiH will oversee the execution of the project, a "Letter on Financial Transfer" was also executed during the ceremony. Signatories included Colonel Abendroth, representing the German Ministry of Defence, and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Victor Munteanu.

Minister Helez expressed his gratitude to both Colonel Abendroth and Mr Munteanu for their crucial role in securing the procurement of the specialised transport. He emphasised that the vehicles comply fully with all internationally defined standards for the transport of dangerous goods (ADR) and are vital for the Armed Forces of BiH, particularly in light of their responsibility to safely manage and move unstable ammunition and explosive ordnance.

"Today's signing of the Technical Agreement between the BiH Ministry of Defence and the German Ministry of Defence on the donation of vehicles for transporting hazardous materials marks yet another significant stride towards cultivating a safer environment for both local and wider communities," stated Minister Helez. "I am delighted that UNDP will once again act as the implementing partner for this project, which will substantially contribute to enhancing the safety of hazardous materials transport and modernising the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina."

He went on to underscore the enduring importance of Germany's support, not merely to the Armed Forces, but to the BiH state as a whole.

"The Federal Republic of Germany is acknowledged as a dependable and proven partner of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a fact repeatedly demonstrated through numerous initiatives and projects within the defence sector," Helez added. "As a NATO and EU member, Germany is a critical and highly regarded partner on our trajectory towards Euro-Atlantic integration. Through a substantial package of donations to the Armed Forces of BiH, the German Government has made a considerable contribution to improving infrastructure and living conditions at military sites."

German Colonel Abendroth reiterated that Berlin remains committed to providing assistance to the Armed Forces of BiH, highlighting that the donation is of paramount importance to the citizens of BiH and will demonstrably bolster the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.