UK expresses support for integrity of Bosnian state

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Britain reiterated support Thursday for the integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and said it is committed to supporting defense reforms, according to a statement.

UK Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey met Zukan Helez, the defense chief of Bosnia and Herzegovina in London to discuss defense ties and the current security situation in the Balkan country.

Heappey said the UK is committed to supporting defense reforms and the continued development of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to a statement by the UK Defence Ministry.

"It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Helez to London today following our meeting in Sarajevo in May, building on our combined work to strengthen our bilateral defence relations," Heappey said in the statement.

"I shared my concerns regarding the developing situation in Bosnia, making clear the UK fully supports the unity and integrity of the Bosnia and Herzegovina state," he added.

Heappey said he is committed to backing Bosnia and Herzegovina's ambition for Euro-Atlantic accession.

Helez and Heappey discussed the defense relationship, with both ministers expressing an interest to further deepen the defense engagement, it said.