The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, spoke today with the French and German Ministers for Europe, Benjamin Haddad and Gunther Krichbaum, at the moment of intensified international consultations on the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the election of a new high representative.
The meeting was held immediately before the session of the Steering Committee of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC), which will be held in Sarajevo on June 3 and 4, and represented an important opportunity to exchange views on the political situation in the country, the role of the international community and the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the conversation, the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region was discussed, with special reference to the challenges affecting the functioning of institutions, the implementation of reforms and the country’s progress on the European path.
Minister Konaković emphasized that today more than ever, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs strong and credible international partners dedicated to preserving peace, stability and constitutional order. He pointed out that the Office of the High Representative remains an irreplaceable pillar of the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the protection of the constitutional order and institutional functionality of BiH, and emphasized the importance of preserving its full mandate and capacity.
He reminded that the actions of the high representative at key moments contributed to the protection of the sovereignty of the state, the preservation of the rule of law and the prevention of destabilizing and secessionist actions, warning that any premature weakening of the role of the OHR before the fulfillment of the 5+2 conditions would pose a risk to the country’s political stability and European perspective.
Speaking about the election of a new high representative, Minister Konaković pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs a credible, impartial and determined person who understands the political and social conditions in the country, who will consistently protect the state’s institutions, contribute to preserving stability and be a reliable partner in strengthening political dialogue and reform processes.
Ministers Haddad and Krichbaum confirmed the support of France and Germany for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its European perspective.
They emphasized the importance of continuous international engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the importance of the role of the Office of the High Representative until the goals and conditions of the 5+2 Agenda are met, stressing its contribution to the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, preserving the country’s institutional functionality and stability.
They emphasized that the rule of law, functional institutions and political stability are of key importance for the further progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the European path, and reiterated the readiness of France and Germany to continue providing support for the reform processes and European integration of BiH.
The interlocutors agreed that the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, functional institutions and political stability are the common interest of BiH, the European Union and the wider region of the Western Balkans, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH announced.
