National Defense Minister Radu Miruta and Chief of the Defense Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, were on a working visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Friday, in the context of Romania's participation in the EUFOR Althea mission.

According to a release by the Ministry of National Defense, the visit included an official meeting with the EUFOR Commander, Major General Maurizio Fronda, during which the two sides reviewed the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the essential role of the EUFOR Althea mission in maintaining stability in the Western Balkans.

Minister Miruta underscored that stability in the Western Balkans is a direct strategic interest for Romania, reiterating the country's firm commitment to contributing to regional security and strengthening the European Union's presence in the area.

'We hope that the military presence will be replaced by a political solution, in order to speed up the EU integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina,' Radu Miruta said, as cited in the release.

Major General Fronda highlighted the professionalism and dedication of the Romanian troops, who make a substantial contribution to fulfilling the mission's mandate.

During the visit, the Defense Ministry's leadership also met with Romanian troops deployed at Camp Butmir, gaining a direct perspective on how missions are carried out on the ground. Minister Miruta expressed appreciation for the professionalism, high level of training and adaptability of the Romanian military personnel, emphasizing their role in implementing the EUFOR Althea mandate and maintaining a stable security climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Chief of the Defense Staff stressed the importance of the operational experience acquired in such missions, both for strengthening interoperability with allied forces and for developing the capabilities of the Romanian Army. Discussions with the troops addressed mission conditions, operational challenges and the support provided by national structures.

Minister Miruta reiterated that ensuring optimal conditions for deployed personnel remains a constant priority for the army's leadership. 'I thank you for the responsible way in which you carry out your missions and for the contribution you bring to the international prestige of the Romanian Army,' the minister said at the end of the meeting with the Romanian contingent.

The Romanian delegation also met with the Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo (NHQ Sa), Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, with talks focusing on coordinating NATO - EU efforts in support of stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The visit concluded with the laying of a wreath at the commemorative plaque dedicated to second lieutenant (posthumously) Remus Brinzan, the first Romanian soldier to fall in the line of duty in an international operation, in 1996.

The EUFOR Althea mission, launched on December 2, 2004 under a UN Security Council mandate, is the European Union's main instrument for maintaining a safe and stable environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Romania is among the mission's main contributors, consistently participating with personnel and capabilities alongside other EU member states and partners.

Starting in May 2026, Romania will assume the position of Chief of Staff of EUFOR Althea, reflecting the high level of trust placed in it by international partners.

Friday's visit 'reconfirms Romania's profile as a security provider in the region and its constant commitment to Euro-Atlantic values, as well as its contribution to international efforts to prevent security risks in the wider neighborhood,' the Defense Ministry mentioned. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Marius Fratila; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)