The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković met on July 7, 2026 in Sarajevo with the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Stephen Doughty.
During the meeting, they discussed the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the process of European integration, reform priorities, the role of the international community, as well as the further improvement of bilateral cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom.
Minister Konaković thanked the United Kingdom for its consistent support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for its continued support for the reform processes and European integration of our country.
The focus of the conversation was the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with special reference to the preservation of institutional stability and the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Minister Konaković pointed out that political stability and functional institutions are a basic prerequisite for the continuation of European integration, which is why preserving the full mandate of the Office of the High Representative remains of key importance. He emphasized that the purpose of the Bonn powers is not their frequent application, but their existence as the ultimate guarantee of the protection of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the constitutional order, state institutions and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina until the fulfillment of the 5+2 conditions.
The interlocutors exchanged opinions on the election of a new high representative, stressing the importance of preserving strong and credible international engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Minister Konaković pointed out that the future high representative should be dedicated to the consistent protection of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the constitutional order and the functionality of the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
They also discussed the growing malignant external influences in the Western Balkans and their negative impact on European integration and regional stability, where it was pointed out that such activities favor the geopolitical interests of the Russian Federation in the region. Minister Konaković emphasized that the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be burdened by continuous blockades and secessionist policies of Milorad Dodik and SNSD, which slow down the reform process and weaken the functionality of state institutions. At the same time, he evaluated the increasingly pronounced pro-European commitment of opposition political actors in the Republic of Srpska as encouraging, stressing that it represents an important stimulus for the continuation of reforms and European integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Minister Doughty reiterated the United Kingdom’s firm support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that the United Kingdom remains a reliable partner to our country in preserving peace, stability and democratic development. He confirmed full support for the mandate and powers of the Office of the High Representative, stressing the importance of close coordination of international partners in protecting the Dayton Peace Agreement, preserving stability and continuing reform processes.
The interlocutors confirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of energy, economy and investments, with mutual interest in the development of new projects that will contribute to resilience, sustainable economic development and the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
