The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković met on Thursday in New York with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Kęstutis Budrys, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting discussed the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European path of our country, the improvement of political and economic cooperation and the expansion of the European Union in the light of current geopolitical circumstances.
Minister Konaković thanked Lithuania for its strong and continuous support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its European path. He pointed out that Lithuania, as a reliable ally, well understands the specificities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and has provided significant support to the process of European integration in the past period.
Minister Konaković also introduced the interlocutor to the complex political circumstances in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including continuous secessionist actions and challenging the competence of state institutions, which complicate reform processes and slow down progress on the European path. He emphasized that such obstructions, led by Milorad Dodik and the SNSD with the strong support of the Russian Federation, directly undermine the reforms and European integration of our country. He also referred to the current relations with the Republic of Serbia, including the intention to reduce the level of diplomatic relations due to the official organization, support and presence of high officials of Serbia and officials from the Republic of Srpska at the funeral of the legally convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. The minister emphasized that it is important for EU partners to be timely informed about developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, bearing in mind that Lithuania will assume the presidency of the European Union from January next year, during which enlargement will be one of the key priorities.
Minister Budrys confirmed Lithuania’s strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and condemned all attempts at secession and causing political instability. He pointed out that Lithuania’s experience shows how reforms and strengthening of institutions bring economic prosperity and long-term security.
