The member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović spoke with the State Secretary for Europe of the Republic of France Laurence Boone.
The State Secretary for Europe of the Republic of France, Boone, said that her visit represents the continuity of French engagement in the Western Balkans, in the context of rapprochement with the European Union and the granting of candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It was pointed out that France unequivocally gives full support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that it is committed to further assistance in all areas, especially in terms of EU integration.
During the conversation, the two sides emphasized the necessity of the functioning of the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a precondition for reforms and further development of the country, as well as that France expects Bosnia and Herzegovina to work on fulfilling the fourteen priorities set by the European Commission.
Boone particularly emphasized the importance of the rule of law, building an independent judiciary, media freedom and the fight against corruption.
The interlocutors also emphasized the importance of concluding an agreement on the exchange and mutual protection of classified data, as well as the signing of a Memorandum on cooperation in the field of youth between the relevant ministries of the two countries.
Bećirović and Boone discussed the proposal of the President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron, on the European Political Community (EPC), a new European organization that would allow European democratic countries with “common fundamental values” to find space for cooperation, which could include political coordination, security cooperation, energy and free movement of people, stated the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.