Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Josip Brkic led the delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH at bilateral consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czech Republic, yesterday in Sarajevo. The delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs Ales Hmelar.
The talks focused on issues in the field of bilateral and multilateral relations, reform processes on the European and Euro-Atlantic path of BiH, as well as the current political situation in BiH.
It was confirmed at the meeting that BiH and the Czech Republic have good bilateral relations, without open issues, which can be further improved through economic and business cooperation, strengthening the legal framework and exchange of visits at all levels.
Brkic pointed out that BiH appreciates the constant support of the Czech Republic in the processes of European integration of BiH and expressed confidence that this support will be continued, especially having in mind the upcoming Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
He thanked the Czech Republic for keeping the issue of the Western Balkans in focus and high on the list of priorities within the EU. An EU political message on the European perspective of the Western Balkans would further strengthen BiH’s reform processes.
He emphasized that a large number of BiH citizens, despite the slow enlargement process, unreservedly support BiH’s membership in the EU.
The Deputy Minister pointed out that the current crisis and the war in Ukraine require the need for additional EU engagement in the Western Balkans.
As Chairman of the Commissions for Cooperation with NATO, Deputy Brkic informed about the work of the Commission and activities on the Reform Program 2022 and added that BiH remains committed to cooperation and partnership with NATO.
For co-operation in the region, the deputy minister stressed that this is an important aspect of BiH’s foreign policy.
Deputy Minister reported on the political situation in BiH, emphasizing the negotiations on changes to the Election Law, expressing hope for reaching a final agreement. He added that the reform of the Election Law is a precondition for a stable and functional state of equal constituent peoples and all citizens.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic for European Affairs, Ales Hmelar, reiterated his country’s strong support for BiH’s European and NATO path, offering partnership assistance through the transfer of experiences and good practices. He pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a very important economic partner for the Czech Republic and that the two countries have great potential for cooperation in the energy sector, which should be engaged in in the future, said the Public Relations Office of the BiH MFA.
