Minister Mektic and SIPA Director Stanic visit UK to share experience in tackling security threats
Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Dragan Mektic and Director of SIPA Perica Stanic visited the UK from 27 February - 1 March on a study trip organised by the British Embassy Sarajevo.
During the visit, the Minister and Director met UK Minister for Europe Sir Alan Duncan and Minister for Security and Economic Crime Ben Wallace for discussions about cooperation between the UK and BiH in tackling serious organised crime and countering terrorism, particularly in the run-up to the UK-hosted Western Balkans Summit.
Mr Mektic and Mr Stanic also visited the Metropolitan Police Headquarters at New Scotland Yard, the National Crime Agency and HM Revenue and Customs. The agencies shared UK experience and expertise in tackling terrorism, serious organised crime and financial crime.
The UK is strongly committed to security and stability in the Western Balkans, and works closely with law enforcement agencies at all levels of government in BiH. The visit is closely linked to other work the UK is doing to support BiH authorities in tackling serious security threats. Through an intelligence-led policing project, the UK has been supporting BiH’s policing agencies to develop their capacity to handle criminal intelligence in support of the fight against terrorism, organised crime and corruption. During his visit, Minister Mektic was also briefed on UK support for BiH’s forensic ballistics laboratories to help them prevent firearms trafficking.