Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sifet Podžić received the newly appointed EUFOR Commander in B&H, Major General Alexander Platzer, in an inaugural visit.

Minister welcomed him to B&H and congratulated him on taking over that responsible position of the EUFOR Commander, the PR Office of the BiH Ministry of Defense said.

Minister Podžić informed Major General Platzer about the progress regarding the obligations of B&H Ministry of Defense from the Reform Program, emphasizing that everything is ready for the second phase of implementation, but that it depends on the finances that the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of B&H will have.

Minister Podžić also pointed out the excellent bilateral cooperation with Austria, especially when it comes to the education of AFB&H cadets. The new Commander was also informed about all the challenges that the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of B&H are facing (pandemic COVID-19, migrant crisis, destroying of surplus weapons, etc.).

Major General Platzer thanked for the reception and stressed that he is impressed with the members of the AFB&H and their enthusiasm. The newly appointed Commander said that he is aware of the financial difficulties, but the continuation of successful cooperation is unquestionable.

Platzer reminded that last year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 80 percent of the planned exercises with the AFB&H were done, and he believes that this year it will be at the same level.