NATO HQ Sarajevo  /  News  /  2021  /  Deputy Commander Transfer of Responsibility ceremony took place in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo

NATO HQ Sarajevo Deputy Commander Transfer of Responsibility ceremony took place in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo.  The ceremony marked the official assuming of the duty of Deputy Commander NATO HQ Sarajevo by a member of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkey, Colonel Olcay Denizer. 

Brigadier General Eric Folkestad, Commander NATO HQ Sarajevo addressed the ceremony, saying that this is an important moment in the history of NATO HQ Sarajevo. 

Next year, Turkey will mark the 70th anniversary of its membership in NATO. Turkey always provided strong support to Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO mission here by sending military staff to key positions within NATO HQ. We are grateful for their contribution

said Folkestad, expressing his appreciation to the Armed Forces of Turkey and the Government of Turkey for their support to NATO mission in BiH and other missions worldwide.

Deputy Commander NATO HQ Sarajevo, Colonel Olcay Denizer - Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo

Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to BiH, Haldun Koc underlined in his remarks that today’s world is facing complex security environment, plentiful of challenges.

"Adapting to the new fast evolving environment requires new approaches, strong alliance and strong cooperation.  In today’s world no country or organization alone can respond to those challenges.  Consequently, this fact makes the alliance more relevant than ever and in this regard all forms of partnerships are key; they seem to be no longer an option but a necessity", said Koc.

He concluded by saying that Turkey will continue to be the key supporter of NATO.

This Transfer of Responsibility is one of indicators of our efforts. Turkey will continue to provide support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its Euro-Atlantic path. Our main goal in BiH is preservation of peace, stability, unity and sovereignty of the country