Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs in NATO, said chief of the joint staff of the Bosnian Armed Forces Senad Masovic, assessing that cooperation between Bosnia and the alliance is “at a high level.”

Masovic met with Chair of the NATO Military Committee Rob Bauer who arrived in Sarajevo for a two day visit.

“I believe that sooner or later Bosnia and Herzegovina will join NATO. This is a need if we want peace and economic perspective. This opens a completely different possibility for the citizens to work and live safely in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Masovic.

The officials emphasised the importance of further cooperation between the alliance and the country, with full membership when the time comes.

Admiral Bauer noted that global security is jeopardised by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, where the strength of law is being suppressed by the use of force.

“The war in Ukraine has serious consequences on the world including the Western Balkans,” he stressed, recalling that the NATO member states agreed at the recent Madrid summit to increase political and military support to allies and partners.

“The interest of the entire world is peaceful and safe Western Balkans,,” said Bauer, adding that the support for Bosnia and Herzegovina will be hopefully clarified in November.

Asked to comment on the lack of consent in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the NATO membership, he said that there is an action plan in force in the country and that the alliance will continue providing supprot.

According to him, talks on the ways how to help Bosnia and Herzegovina are ongoing and this help includes the construction of infrastructure, institutions etc.

Bauer is set to meet other senior officials of Bosnia and Herzegovina during his visit and hold a lecture at the Faculty of Political Sciences.