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SARAJEVO, October 6 (FENA) - The EUFOR's "Quick Response 2019" military exercise was launched today at the Butmir base in Sarajevo.
This is a regular annual exercise to test the ability of EUFOR to rapidly strengthen its forces in BiH, using part of the reserve forces in partner countries at a high level of preparedness.
The BiH Deputy Minister of Defense Sead Jusić said at the opening ceremony that this exercise sends a clear message about EUFOR and NATO forces regarding their readiness to cooperate with BiH security structures in order to execute their mandate.
The BiH Deputy Minister of Security Mijo Krešić emphasized that he expects the exercise to demonstrate the willingness of all stakeholders involved to respond effectively to complex security threats where multiple institutions need to be engaged with their reserve forces that are held at high readiness in partner countries. It is a large scale exercise demonstrating the EU's resolve and commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Quick Response is the longstanding annual test of EUFOR’s capability to rapidly reinforce its troops in BiH with part of its reserve forces which are held at high-readiness in partner nations. It is a large scale exercise demonstrating the EU’s resolve and commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the opening ceremony, the troops who are taking part in the exercise were addressed by the Commander of EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak, who said “EUFOR maintains a military footprint in BiH which can be rapidly expanded in both size and strength to address any challenges towards the Safe and Secure Environment.
Quick Response exercises test the mechanisms to rapidly activate and integrate our reserves with our in-theatre troops. The fact that we have on parade the Intermediate Reserve Forces from the United Kingdom and Austria, demonstrates that this process works.”
Major General Trischak also paid tribute to the excellent relationships EUFOR has with the Armed Forces BiH, BiH Law Enforcement Agencies and the respective ministries, publicly thanking the State, RS and FBiH authorities for the cooperation EUFOR received throughout the planning process.
In attendance at the event were many members of State Level organizations and International Embassies as well as high ranking representatives from the Armed Forces BiH and Law Enforcement Agencies.
The EUFOR reserve troops which have arrived from Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, the United Kingdom and KFOR joined their comrades from EUFOR’s Multinational Battalion on parade before heading off to locations all over BiH for the exercise, which will occur between the 7-11 October.
EUFOR Operation Althea is currently made up of soldiers from 20 nations. Its primary role is to support BiH efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment, whilst providing support to the overall EU comprehensive strategy for BiH.
(FENA) S. R.
