The security of Bosnia and Herzegovina is vital for the region and the Alliance and we will not allow the hard-earned peace to be jeopardized, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated following a meeting with Zeljka Cvijanovic, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency Chair, in Brussels on Wednesday.

Rutte emphasized NATO's nearly three-decade commitment to BiH.

“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement next year, our dedication to Bosnia and Herzegovina and regional stability remains unwavering. We strongly support your country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. A stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a peaceful Western Balkans, are of strategic interest to the Alliance,” Rutte said.

He welcomed the meeting as an opportunity to discuss enhancing cooperation and building on NATO’s longstanding support, including defence and security reforms, capacity-building initiatives and ongoing efforts by NATO’s Sarajevo headquarters and the newly established Political Engagement Support Cell.

“These efforts benefit all your citizens and complement Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration process, which NATO fully supports. We continue to work alongside the European Union through the EUFOR Althea operation under the Berlin Plus arrangement,” Rutte added.

He commended Bosnia's progress on reforms and highlighted the importance of NATO assistance. Rutte also called on Bosnian political leaders to work together in the spirit of reconciliation and uphold the functionality of state institutions.

Cvijanovic expressed satisfaction with the discussions, noting a shared commitment to continued collaboration.

“We are grateful to NATO for the support provided over the years and expect this assistance to be available whenever needed. We particularly appreciate the backing in capacity building, defence, and security reforms, and we hope this support continues in the future,” Cvijanovic stated.

She underlined that there are no immediate security threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding that the country’s challenges remain within the realm of political discourse and are addressed through democratic processes.

“This is democracy—where everyone can raise their concerns and issues politically,” she said.

The Presidency Chair also thanked Rutte for his stance on the Dayton Agreement.

“This agreement is the foundation of my country, enabling its functionality and survival. I am grateful for your support of it and of the European integration process. It is crucial to hear such confirmation from you. I am confident that our cooperation will remain successful in the future,” Cvijanovic concluded.