SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Since the 1990s, NATO has been committed to building long-term peace and stability. Throughout the years, and in particular since 2006 when Bosnia and Herzegovina signed the NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, it improved significantly.
Remarkable achievements in standards and interoperability now make the Bosnia and Herzegovina military forces a stabilizing factor in the region and a reliable contributor to multinational missions.
NATO supports the countries of the region to implement reforms to secure peace and prosperity for the benefit of their citizens. And these efforts pay off.
"The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their armed forces made tremendous progress,” said U.S. Navy Admiral James Foggo, commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples. "And I can see that progress when I walk downtown here.”
To continue that promising way, Foggo handed over the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo’s flag from U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Robert Huston to U.S. Army Brigadier General Marti Bissel in a transfer of authority ceremony here.
During the ceremony, Foggo noted noted Huston’s accomplishments and professionalism.
"My greatest praise for General Huston is the manner in which he executed his responsibilities,” said Foggo. "He has done so on a human level, with great respect for the people and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
He also welcomed Bissel.
"She brings a wealth of operational and staff experience that will serve her and NATO well during her assignment here in Sarajevo,” said Foggo.
NATO Headquarters Sarajevo is a facilitator for defence and security structure reform since 2004. It is a demonstration of the Alliance’s enduring commitment to the nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The headquarters coordinates the Partnership for Peace activities, and supports Bosnia and Herzegovina's government authorities to achieve the nation’s long-term objective of full European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Story by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office
Read Admiral Foggo's full speech.