NATO HQ Sarajevo  /  News  /  2024  /  NHQSa facilitating a Forum in Mostar

The NHQSa is facilitating a Forum on the implementation of the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding between Bosnia and Herzegovina, SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) and ACT (Allied Command Transformation) on provision of Host Nation Support (HNS) for the execution of NATO operations and exercises. The Forum is being held in the City of Mostar between 11 and 13 December with participation of the office of the Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers, ministries and agencies of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo

Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, Commander of the NHQSa, opened the Forum noting that 

The Memorandum itself creates a set of rules and commitments that can and should be implemented even directly. However, respecting the constitutional and procedural principles in any sovereign state, it is advisable to incorporate such international instruments into the domestic regulatory framework. No aspect of this Host Nation Support process will affect the current legal and political framework under which Bosnia and Herzegovina operates when it comes to NATO

Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo

Mr. Dario Šikuljak, legal advisor and Forum moderator, proposed a legal framework drafted with intent to ensure a sustainable implementation process for the Memorandum of understanding. The NHQSa welcomes and encourages participation and involvement of all ministries of agencies of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina and stands ready to provide advisory and other support for the duration of the implementation process.