The Russian Embassy statement that they would see BiH’s NATO accession as a hostile act that would force them to react, is another clear contrast between the assistance offered to Bosnia by NATO allies and its EU partners and what Russia offers, the US Embassy in BiH told N1 Friday.

The American embassy stated that the relationship between NATO and BiH is focused on reforms that benefit all citizens and are complementary to BiH's path to the EU. The BiH-led Reform Program process is an opportunity for BiH to identify its own reform priorities and how it sees the Alliance's assistance in achieving them, they said.

“NATO allies will continue to help BiH advance towards its goal of joining the Euro-Atlantic community, as well as provide support to the BiH Armed Forces when responding in crisis situations and providing assistance in some other form. As an alliance, NATO is guided by the concept of collective security. Security, stability and prosperity are best achieved through meaningful cooperation.

NATO’s focus in BiH is on a strong partnership, and the door to membership remains open. Any future decision to invite Bosnia and Herzegovina to join NATO would be made on the basis of consensus of all members and consensus within the BiH government. NATO's approach shows its full respect for the fact that important progress in BiH requires consensus,” the US Embassy in BiH told N1.

On Thursday, the Russian Embassy in Bosnia issued a statement stating that “in the event of practical rapprochement between BiH and NATO, Russia will have to react to this hostile act.”