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MADRID, June 30 (FENA) - On the second day of the NATO Summit in Madrid, a working dinner was organized with the participation of NATO Defense Ministers and Bosnia and Herzegovina Defense Minister Sifet Podžić, as a representative of the only partner country participated in this event.
The topic of the meeting was the Western Balkans, with special emphasis on strengthening cooperation between the Western Balkans, i.e. BiH and NATO, as well as creating the best possible security environment. At the very beginning, the Minister of Defense of BiH, Sifet Podžić, addressed the gathering, expressing his satisfaction that he is part of such an eminent gathering and said he was happy to confirm that BiH had made a good decision when it set NATO and EU membership as its strategic goals.
Podžić points out that "being part of this family gives hope that there is a chance for the citizens of BiH to have a better security, economic and social perspective of life, as well as the citizens of other countries in Europe," the BiH Ministry of Defense said.
“Today we are all here, and beyond, we are witnesses that darkness has hung over the world, caused by Russia's aggression on Ukraine. Once again, we are witnessing the killing of innocent people, destruction of cultural and other landmarks in one country in Europe. This situation does not give peace to anyone, especially to Bosnians and Herzegovinians who have gone through such terrible events not so long ago. I must say that this crisis has a multidimensional negative impact not only on Europe, but also on BiH, which is part of that area. Various forms of hybrid war, including the threats of the ambassador of the Russian Federation to BiH, force me to ask you for support like never before,” Podžić notes.
He stressed that BiH needs NATO's support in every sense of the word.
“BiH has done a lot on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration, but now that we are perhaps in the final phase of achieving strategic goals, without your help it will not be possible. I demand from you not only help in building defense capacities, but also stronger political engagement that will discourage all destructive forces in their malignant intent and force us to build an efficient society together through dialogue, following the example of your societies. BiH is a small country located in the heart of Europe, on a crucial route between good and evil, and together we must do the best we can to keep only good, and evil disappears. The citizens of BiH certainly deserve it,” said Minister Podžić.
Ministers of Defense of the member states also addressed on this occasion who provided unreserved support to BiH and pledged to provide full political support, as well as strengthening BiH's defense capacities, thus making it resistant to malignant influences.
Support for territorial integrity and sovereignty is unconditional, and the change in the Allies' approach to the Western Balkans has been particularly emphasized, resulting in the region becoming of strategic importance to NATO.
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