The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, met in Washington on Thursday with the US Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Antisemitism, Yehuda Kaploun, and with Congressman and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Europe in the US House of Representatives, William Keating.
At the meeting with Ambassador Yehuda Kaploun, appointed by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, a constructive dialogue was held on the joint commitment to combating antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of intolerance. The importance of international cooperation in confronting contemporary extremist tendencies was emphasized.
Minister Konaković informed his interlocutor about the coordinated campaign of certain political actors in BiH and their lobbyists, aimed at spreading disinformation, fabricated narratives and untrue accusations of antisemitism. The Minister emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a society of deep-rooted multiethnicity and interreligious solidarity, has a special moral responsibility to contribute to global efforts to combat discrimination. He particularly highlighted the Sarajevo Haggadah and its historical, cultural and symbolic significance, emphasizing that its promotion in the US Congress represents a strong contribution to strengthening international understanding, affirming universal values, and promoting the tradition of courage and solidarity.
Ambassador Kaploun confirmed the consistent commitment of the US to the stability and progress of BiH, recalling Elie Wiesel’s moral message about responsibility in the face of the suffering of others. The interlocutors agreed that there is no alternative to peace, and that dialogue and mutual respect are the only sustainable path to a secure future.
In a separate meeting with Congressman William Keating, the current political situation in BiH and the Western Balkans region was discussed, with a focus on security challenges, destabilizing external influences and internal blockages that slow down reform processes.
Minister Konaković stressed the importance of continued cooperation with the US and international partners, and the irreplaceable role of the OHR in preserving the functionality of institutions, implementing and protecting the Dayton Peace Agreement, and ensuring stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He particularly pointed to the campaign of secessionist actors and lobbyists aimed at spreading manipulative narratives, including claims of alleged attacks by Muslims on Christians and the threat to their rights in BiH. In this context, the Minister explained the mechanisms of lobbying that are trying to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state, emphasizing that this is an organized political action aimed at destabilizing the region and blocking BiH’s European path.
The Minister stated that it is essential that public and political dialogue be based on facts and verified information, with clear and decisive institutional action in combating disinformation and harmful interpretations that can destabilize political processes and threaten the overall stability of the country.
Congressman Keating reiterated his consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH, emphasizing the strategic importance of the stability of the Western Balkans for the transatlantic security architecture and the obligation to counter destabilizing narratives.
