On Monday 15 January, Commander EUFOR and the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative held a New Year's Reception for national and international politicians and distinguished guests. They both took the opportunity to express their intentions for the year ahead and their hope of progress towards European accession for BiH.
The guest list of over 200 influential figures from the political and military landscape included Mr Sead Jusić, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Mirko Tepšić, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff and Major General Senad Mašović, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff. International guests included His Excellency Dr Valentin Inzko, the High Representative in BiH, Ms Sezin Sinanoglu, and Ambassadors and dignitaries from over 20 countries.
During his speech, COMEUFOR highlighted the cooperation between EUFOR and the Armed Forces of BiH, praising their professionalism in the face of sometimes challenging circumstances. He expressed his intention that the high level of co-operation between EUFOR and the Law Enforcement Agencies and Armed Forces of BiH consolidated for the first time with joint exercises during EUFOR's Exercise Quick Response 2017 should continue in order to build upon the progress made so far.
Major General Waldner concluded: "EUFOR Althea will continue working together with our partners for a sustainable, stable and European future for this beautiful country. "