The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Federal Republic of Germany, Damir Arnaut, assessed that relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany have been on a constant upward trajectory for the past three years, stressing that the intensity of bilateral meetings at the highest level during June is a confirmation of the strategic relationship between the two countries.
Arnaut reminded that within 20 days in June, the official bilateral meetings of the Chairman of the BiH Presidency, Denis Bećirović, were held with the President, Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany.
According to him, this surpassed the result from 2024, when meetings at the same level were held in a period of 35 days.
“Not only have we never had such intensity at the highest level in the history of diplomatic relations between our two countries, but now we have succeeded twice in just two years,” said Arnaut.
He pointed out that this fact reflects the essence of the relationship between BiH and Germany, adding that bilateral meetings at that level with Germany cannot be obtained if the German side is not convinced that they have essential value and that the interlocutor deserves trust.
“When you add to that the official status of the visit to Berlin, it represents an additional confirmation of the strategic approach,” Arnaut said.
Speaking about the concrete results of cooperation, Arnaut stated that in the fall of 2023, Germany, together with Rwanda, decided to co-sponsor the Resolution on the Srebrenica genocide in the United Nations General Assembly.
He added that this gave the project not only symbolic significance, but also a strong advocate whose influence, as he said, was of crucial importance for the Resolution to come to a vote and be adopted.
Arnaut also reminded that a few days ago, the Bundestag extended the approval for the participation of German soldiers in the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the third time, with a two-thirds majority of the ruling and opposition representatives.
He emphasized that Germany supports democratic processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a special focus on the rule of law, the fight against corruption and electoral integrity.
According to him, Germany invested significant resources in strengthening the capacity of the Armed Forces of BiH, introduced strong sanctions against, as he stated, the destroyers of the Dayton Peace Agreement, and remains focused on ensuring the continuation of a strong Office of the High Representative with clear powers.
Arnaut added that there was no lack of a mutual approach to cooperation, stating that the efforts of Bećirović were of key importance for the unblocking of the Frontex implementation process at the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He also pointed out that the focus is on coordinating moves in international institutions, as well as on supporting Germany’s efforts to preserve peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans.
“Despite the moments we saw this month, this strategic relationship has the potential for additional growth in the coming period. In order to further strengthen these relations, continuous talks are necessary. In order for such talks to continue, the knowledge, dedication, capabilities and determination that Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown, as well as the trust it has built over the past three and a half years, is necessary,” Ambassador Arnaut concluded, according to his press release.
