Admiral Robert P. Burke, Commander Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples, was welcomed to Camp Butmir by Brigadier General Eric Folkestad, Commander NATO Headquarters Sarajevo and Major General Alexander Platzer, Commander of EUFOR today. During the visit, Admiral Burke once again reaffirmed NATO's commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a stable Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In addition to discussing ongoing NATO and EUFOR cooperation and joint efforts for the reform and modernization of BiH defence and security forces with Brigadier General Eric Folkestad and Major General Alexander Platzer, Admiral Burke also met U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and
Herzegovina, H.E. Eric Nelson.; Lieutenant General Senad Mašović, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces BiH; Major General Ivica Jerkić, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the AF BiH for Operations; and Major General Gojko Knežević; Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the AF BiH for
Resources.
Stability and security of the Western Balkans is important for NATO and for peace and stability in Europe. NATO Headquarters Sarajevo is committed to continue its practical cooperation with the BiH Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. NATO continues also to support Euro Atlantic reform efforts - for the benefit of all the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
said Admiral Burke.
Admiral Burke directs a combined staff, representing NATO's 30 Allies, responsible for planning, preparing, and conducting military operations throughout the Supreme Allied Commander Europes area of responsibility. The command oversees three missions across the Western Balkans: The Kosovo Force (KFOR), NATO Headquarters Sarajevo and the NATO Military Liaison Office in Belgrade.
"NATO military and civilian officials here work deeply with all segments of the BiH Ministry ofDefense and the Armed Forces of BiH - we know each other very well and we will continue to support the authorities as they implement much needed reforms in all areas of life: to improve
the security, strengthen democracy and increase prosperity for everyone in BiH." said Burke.
-3RWs61.jpg "211025-f-ff859-0599-0igi81")
Admiral Robert P. Burke, Commander Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples and Commander NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, Brigadier General Eric Folkestad.
Admiral Robert P. Burke, Commander Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples, U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Eric Nelson and Commander NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, Brigadier General Eric Folkestad
"Working together is something that improves us all, makes us better, stronger and more prepared to face the ever-changing and increasingly complex security challenges of today. We face the same security challenges in our shared Euro-Atlantic region, and dialogue and
cooperation are important to address them effectively".
Welcoming Admiral Burke's visit, Brigadier General Folkestad said:
"I was honoured to welcome Admiral Burke to BiH today, and share with him in more detail the work my team are doing to support reform, and make life better for everyone in BiH. The close relationship we have with EUFOR – as we have shown Admiral Burke through our discussions today as well as regular joint briefings - highlight the separate but complimentary nature of our missions. Together we create a safe and secure environment and a framework to support reforms that bring direct benefits - for the men and women of the armed forces BiH - but also
for every citizen in BiH and the region. It was an honor for me to bring together such senior representatives from all sides – all of whom are completely committed to achieving reforms, stability and progress in BiH.
U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eric Nelson, Commander NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, Brigadier General Eric Folkestad, Major General Gojko Knežević, Admiral Robert P. Burke, Commander Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples, Lieutenant General Senad Mašović, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces BiH and Major General Ivica Jerkić.
Admiral Robert Burke, Allied Joint Force Command Naples Commander, visits NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, Camp Butmir, on October 25, 2021 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.