Sarajevo (Photo: HINA/Marija Sestan)
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in Sarajevo on Feb. 6 that his country supported efforts to stop the spread of Russian influence over the region of the Western Balkans which would lead to a new crisis in Europe.
"We support efforts to stop Russia from creating additional crises, i.e. abuse this zone, and expand its influence. NATO and the EU have a clear stance when they talk about Russia's revisionist activities," Pistorius said after a meeting with a delegation from Bosnia's Ministry of Defense.
He said that certain tensions existed with regard to the stance on Russia in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that Bosnia and Herzegovina "must decide which wedding it dance at and it cannot be in two places." The German defense minister went on to say that his country would support EUFOR's engagement, stressing that a stable Bosnia and Herzegovina was key to stability in the region.
Bosnian Defense Minister Zukan Helez said that Germany's support for NATO integrations and what Bosnia needs to fulfill were discussed at his meeting with Pistorius. "German is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's key friends in the foreign policy sphere. Germany gives its full support to Bosnia and Herzegovina en route to the EU and NATO alliance," Helez said.
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