Bosnia and Herzegovina's Minister of Defense, Zukan Helez, met on Thursday with the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to BiH, Gabriele Derighetti, during an official visit.

Minister Helez highlighted the strong ties between the two countries, referencing the visits of Switzerland's current President, Viola Amherd, who as the former Minister of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina twice. “This serves as further evidence of the friendly relations between our nations,” Helez said.

He also commended Switzerland's role as a member of the United Nations Security Council and its commitment to peace and stability in the region. “We value your country’s interest and engagement in maintaining peace in this part of Europe and its support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s strategic security and foreign policy objectives. We also welcome Switzerland's continued contributions to the EUFOR-Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Helez added.

The Minister emphasized that Switzerland is now regarded as one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most significant bilateral partners. He reiterated the country’s political aspirations of European Union and NATO membership, thanking member nations for their support in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina chart a clear path forward.

Ambassador Derighetti expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to supporting Bosnia on its Euro-Atlantic integration journey. He also expressed pride in the participation of Swiss soldiers in the EUFOR mission in BiH.