On Thursday 22 February, Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) Major General Anton Waldner hosted the Minister of Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Federal Republic of Austria on official visits to EUFOR Headquarters at Camp Butmir near Sarajevo.
The Minister of Defence Mr Mario Kunasek was accompanied by the Chief of Defence General Othmar Commenda to meet COMEUFOR and other members of the Austrian contingent serving as part of EUFOR Operation ALTHEA. On the same day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Karin Kneissl also visited EUFOR HQ in order to discuss Austria's continuing strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina as it progresses towards European integration.
Austria contributes personnel to many areas of EUFOR Operation ALTHEA including the most senior position of COMEUFOR, the EUFOR LOT Houses in Brčko, Bratunac and Tuzla, EUFOR's Capacity Building and Training programme, and the Multinational Battalion. Over 200 Austrians serve in EUFOR, supporting BiH authorities maintain the safe and secure environment.
As highlighted by the visitors, the contribution of the Austrian contingent of EUFOR demonstrates the good relations between the Federal Republic of Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Dr Kneissl was met by a EUFOR Honour Guard from the Multinational Battalion
