Stephen Doughty, UK Minister for Europe, North Africa, and overseas territories, told FTV that the United Kingdom will continue showing strong political, economic, and security support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing that peace, stability, and preservation of the Dayton Peace Agreement are among the key priorities of British politics towards the country.
Speaking about future cooperation, Doughty emphasized that British support is reflected not only in political engagement but also in economic projects and development initiatives.
“Our support for Bosnia and Herzegovina has multiple forms. The first form is about ensuring peace and stability here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the wider Western Balkans region. We clearly have one of the key roles as guarantors of the Dayton Peace Agreement. I think that’s the key priority,” Doughty said.
He added that the United Kingdom is interested in new investments, especially in transport infrastructure and energy transition, and that talks have been held with the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries on regional connectivity.
“One of the fields we are interested in is the transport infrastructure and the energy transition. The United Kingdom leads in those areas, and we seek partners in Bosnian campaigns, communities, and government,” he said.
Speaking about the current situation regarding the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Doughty emphasized that the United Kingdom remains devoted to that institution and its powers.
“We remain absolutely devoted to the role of the High Representative and to ensuring he fulfills his obligations and retains those powers, including the Bonn Powers. We want to see peace, stability, and the institutional development here in the upcoming years, until the “5+2” Agenda is met,” he said.
He emphasized that the United Kingdom will continue to cooperate closely with the United States, European Union, and domestic institutions, and thanked the departing High Representative, Christian Schmidt, for all his work. When asked about his successor, he didn’t want to mention specific names, emphasizing that the future High Representative has to gain the trust of all communities and international partners, as well as the required competencies for performing that function.
“We want the necessary reform steps to be taken, and additional steps that will place Bosnia and Herzegovina on a clear Euro-Atlantic path. That’s the focus of cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the minister added.
Doughty believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina can have an important role in the region due to its experience following the war in the 90s.
“This country is extremely important. I think it can serve as an important example after surviving the horrific conflicts and violence of the 1990s. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a lot to share with people,” he said.
He emphasized that citizens across the region are expecting economic development, better infrastructure, better education, and energy security, and that the United Kingdom will continue cooperating with Bosnia and Herzegovina in fighting against organized crime, human trafficking, and violence against women.
Looking back on the security situation in Europe, Doughty warned that the entire continent is suffering the consequences of Russian hybrid activities, including disinformation and cyber-attacks. This is why, as he stated, even stronger cooperation among European nations is essential.
Speaking about conflicts in the Middle East, he emphasized that the United Kingdom continues to reduce tensions and preserve international security.
“We remain committed to being a force for peace and stability in that region, supporting a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine,” Doughty said, adding that the crisis in the Middle East has consequences far beyond that region, particularly when it comes to the economy and global trade.”
When asked about possible economic consequences of the current geopolitical crises, he believes that European economies have the capacity to overcome them. He warns of the importance of further investment in energy security, supply chain resilience, and the development of transport and communication infrastructure.
“We must ensure to implement that infrastructure across Europe, whether involving transport, energy, or communication relations, in order to ensure endurance of our economies across the continent,” he concluded, Federalna writes.
