The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, participated, at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Hakan Fidan, today in Antalya at the Third Ministerial Meeting of the regional initiative “Balkan Peace Platform” (BPP), held on the sidelines of the 5th Diplomatic Forum in Antalya. On the sidelines of the ADF, the Minister also held bilateral meetings with the OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu and with the Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Portugal, Paulo Rangel.
During the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Western Balkans and Turkey, the importance of regional cooperation, dialogue and mutual trust as the foundation of stability and prosperity was emphasized.
On that occasion, Minister Konaković reiterated Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to peace, regional cooperation and the European path, emphasizing that the Western Balkans represents an area of great potential, but also challenges that require continuous investment in stability and mutual trust. In his address, he specifically addressed the challenges of contemporary geopolitical developments, emphasizing that global tensions and changes directly affect Bosnia and Herzegovina, further emphasizing the need for stable and functional institutions. He warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a complex state, in which the blockages of certain political structures slow down reforms and the country’s European path. He emphasized that it is precisely for this reason that it is crucial to continue the European integration process, including the opening of negotiations with the European Union and the holding of an intergovernmental conference, as concrete steps that will ensure further progress and strengthen confidence in the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He reiterated that Bosnia and Herzegovina considers regional cooperation and good neighborly relations to be one of the key priorities of its foreign policy, as well as an essential part of the European integration process.
During his talks with OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, Minister Konaković expressed full support for the priorities of the Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE, emphasizing the importance of adopting a new budget to ensure the continuity of field operations and the credibility of the organization. He thanked the OSCE for its long-standing assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in electoral processes and reforms, and informed his interlocutor about the current political situation in the country. He emphasized that certain actions and obstructions seriously threaten the democratic order and functioning of institutions, making reform processes and progress towards the European Union more difficult. Secretary General Sinirlioğlu confirmed that the OSCE remains committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening democratic capacities and European integration.
In a separate meeting with the Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal Paulo Rangel, Minister Konaković thanked Portugal for its continued support for the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing that membership in the European Union and NATO is a strategic goal of our country. During the conversation, the Minister informed his interlocutor about the current political situation and challenges on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path. The interlocutors assessed that economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Portugal has significant potential, especially in areas of common interest, and that it is necessary to intensify contacts and connect business communities. Minister Rangel confirmed Portugal’s strong support for the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing the importance of strengthening political support for pro-European forces.
