The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, met today in Sarajevo with the Ambassador of Switzerland to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gabriele Derighetti.
At the beginning of the conversation, Minister Konaković welcomed Ambassador Derighetti and congratulated him on taking over the chairmanship of the OSCE, stressing that the return of Switzerland to the head of the Organization confirms its long-standing and credible commitment to peace, security and stability.
Minister Konaković emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly supports the OSCE and that through good and continuous cooperation with the Organization, at all levels of government, an important framework for strengthening democratic processes and overall stability in the country is ensured.
Speaking about internal challenges, Minister Konaković referred to the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that the country is going through a complex and demanding period marked by the intertwining of different political and social circumstances. He pointed out that the stability of institutions and the functionality of the government is a key prerequisite for progress, and that the European path is the only framework that can ensure Bosnia and Herzegovina’s long-term security, economic development and strengthening of democratic standards. In this context, the minister emphasized that the upcoming election process, as an important democratic mechanism, must be carried out in accordance with European values and principles of the rule of law.
Ambassador Derighetti emphasized that the Embassy of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support initiatives that contribute to regional security and strengthening cooperation. He pointed out that Switzerland’s priorities within the framework of the OSCE chairmanship are fully connected to the fundamental goals of the Organization – the preservation of peace, security and stability through the strengthening of democratic institutions, the rule of law and respect for human rights. He added that special attention will be focused on the events in Ukraine, as one of the key challenges for European and global security.
At the end of the meeting, the interlocutors assessed that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland have successful bilateral cooperation without open questions. It was pointed out that there is significant potential for its further deepening, primarily in the field of economy, but also in other segments of common interest.
