International peace envoy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, High Representative Christian Schmidt met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Sarajevo on Monday to discuss security challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans. Schmidt thanked the NATO official for the alliance's continued commitment to the region.

Schmidt also underscored the strategic importance of Euro-Atlantic integration for BiH, emphasising its positive impact on security, economic development, and overall stability. “Only a functioning state can complete the integration process,” said the High Representative, adding that NATO represents an indispensable partner to BiH in this regard.

“Therefore, EUFOR and OHR are still needed at this point. The EUFOR-Althea mission must retain its full mandate and the capacity to deploy troops at short notice. The EU integration and Dayton implementation processes are not mutually exclusive or contradictory. On the contrary, they are complementary and mutually reinforcing, if managed in a coordinated manner,” he said.

He further highlighted the importance of addressing challenges such as political instability, slow reform processes, and corruption, adding that BiH needs to become more resilient in order to foster a secure environment for all its citizens. Achieving success requires a unified engagement of the international community and a collaborative effort from all domestic stakeholders.

“Today's discussions reflect the shared commitment to strengthening the security architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the overall stability of the country so it can be ready for future EU membership. We recognise the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration to address the complex challenges facing the region,” he underlined.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Stoltenberg emphasised the “excellent “cooperation with the Office of the High Representative and reiterated NATO's strong support to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We want to see a peaceful country at the heart of a stable region and your efforts as the High Representative are vital to the unity and the reconciliation of this country. Any attempt to undermine your position takes BiH backward not forward,” he stressed.

Just like during a meeting with the Bosnian officials, he again welcomed the extension of the UN mandate for the European Union's military operation Althea.

“NATO remains fully committed to the success of the mission and NATO HQ here in Sarajevo helps to coordinate our support. We cannot and will not allow a security vacuum in BiH,” he stressed and thanked Schmidt for his work and committment to stability in this region.