Photo By Tech. Sgt. Katie Ward | Edward Ferguson, ambassador of the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and...... read more read more
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina - In a ceremony held Jan. 23 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey transitioned from its position as the country’s NATO Contact Point Embassy, handing over the responsibilities to the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The role of a Contact Point Embassy (CPE) is to serve as the focal point for NATO issues, disseminating information about initiatives and policies of the NATO alliance. The CPE network began in the early 1990s as a way to support NATO’s diplomatic efforts in countries that participate in various global partnerships, also contributing to NATO’s outreach initiatives and allowing for information flow to support diplomacy efforts.
The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey has served as CPE for Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2011. During its four years as CPE, Turkey aimed to raise awareness regarding NATO and partner countries, assisted with public diplomacy efforts, and worked with Bosnia and Herzegovina leaders and armed forces to support progress towards NATO, said Cihad Erginay, ambassador to the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey.
“We believe that the future of [Bosnia and Herzegovina] lies with NATO and the European Union, and hope to see it achieve progress on its path to membership of both organizations,” said Erginay. “We have carried this responsibility [as CPE] with great pride, and now it is time to pass this duty on to an embassy of an allied nation.”
After thanking Erginay and the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey for their efforts in communications, planning and facilitating visits of key NATO diplomats, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Petty, NATO Headquarters Sarajevo commander, expressed enthusiasm for the United Kingdom’s new role as CPE.
“I’m excited about this partnership and the potential it offers to not only communicate the large public diplomacy and diplomatic issues of the NATO headquarters in Brussels, but to also help us form a mechanism to keep ambassadors and defense attachés informed on ongoing NATO reform efforts here in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Petty. “Your interest and involvement here substantially advances the NATO mission in all aspects, and has proven essential in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina advance within the NATO framework.”
After assuming the role as CPE with the passing of the NATO flag, Edward Ferguson, ambassador of the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, expressed his areas of focus as CPE, including strategic engagement, defense reform and communication of NATO alliance benefits.
“We are very much looking forward to taking on this role [of CPE] and working with all of you to help and support Bosnia and Herzegovina move on its path toward NATO,” said Ferguson. “Membership of NATO is firmly in the interest of this country and of the wider region. It is the most successful alliance in the world and in history, and the best means of ensuring regional security and stability [for Bosnia and Herzegovina].”
Petty echoed Ferguson’s sentiments, stating joint cooperation and efforts are the key to success in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We at NATO Headquarters Sarajevo are excited to be partners in a real forum that can advance public diplomacy messaging and synchronization of the international community,” said Petty. “We are very grateful for Turkey’s contribution for the past 4 years [as CPE], and we are very excited to work with the United Kingdom to advance the NATO ascension process for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I hope that our joint efforts, cooperation and partnership will help make 2015 a great year for our Bosnia and Herzegovina partners, and our NATO alliance.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s previous CPEs include the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic from 2005-2006, the Royal Norwegian Embassy from 2007-2010, and the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey from 2011-2014.
| Date Taken: | 01.23.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.24.2015 05:21 |
| Story ID: | 152658 |
| Location: | SARAJEVO, BA |
| Web Views: | 203 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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