The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Elmedin Konakovic, during an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, met on January 18th 2026, in separate meetings, with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb.
In talks with Secretary-General Aboul Gheit, Minister Konakovic emphasized the importance of continuing mutual support in candidacies for international organizations, further strengthening coordination in multilateral forums, as well as the need for even closer and more effective cooperation in today’s turbulent global environment.
During the meeting, the current geopolitical situation and interconnected crises were discussed, with the assessment that coordinated action within the multilateral system is of crucial importance. The interlocutors also exchanged views on the situation in BiH and the wider region, with particular emphasis placed on the importance of BiH’s European path.
Special attention was also devoted to the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on Gaza. Minister Konakovic stressed that BiH consistently supports the two-state solution as the only path toward lasting peace. He recalled that, having its own experience of war and the process of reconciliation, BiH particularly feels the gravity of current events and strongly advocates an end to violence and the finding of a political solution that will enable the Palestinian people to live in freedom and dignity.
Secretary-General Aboul Gheit expressed gratitude for BiH’s active role in multilateral forums, as well as for consistent support for Egyptian candidacies in international organizations. He confirmed the readiness of the Arab League to continue close coordination and joint action at the international level.
In a separate meeting with His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Minister Konakovic emphasized BiH’s commitment to promoting interreligious dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, as well as the importance of strengthening cultural and educational cooperation. The discussion addressed possibilities for further improving academic exchange and research cooperation, including increasing the number of scholarships for students from BiH at Al-Azhar University, as well as deepening the ties that traditionally connect the two communities.
The conversation also focused on Palestine and BiH’s own historical experience, which makes us particularly sensitive to the suffering in Gaza and underscores the importance of peace, reconciliation, and the rebuilding of societies after conflict.
The Grand Imam Al-Tayeb emphasized that Al-Azhar remains committed to promoting universal values of peace and understanding and assessed BiH as an example of a society that nurtures coexistence and interreligious dialogue.
