High Representative Christian Schmidt welcomes the decision of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to appoint Sir Stuart Peach as the UK Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.
The High Representative expresses his gratitude to the UK for its support for his work and is looking forward to working closely with the Special Envoy: “This appointment is a clear demonstration of Britain’s commitment to the Western Balkans and European security. With the appointment of Sir Stuart Peach, the UK demonstrates its readiness to contribute to the international community’s efforts to deescalate the situation in BiH in a responsible way.”
High Representative Schmidt is currently visiting London for a series of meetings with senior UK government and Parliament officials.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed Stuart Peach Special Envoy for the Western Balkans “as part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to stability and prosperity in the region,” the UK government said today.
”The United Kingdom is deeply committed to European security. The Western Balkans face the greatest threat to its stability and security in more than two decades. We have a responsibility to do everything in our power to preserve what has been achieved through peace and dialogue. We cannot allow any return to the violence and divisions of the past. Sir Stuart’s extensive experience and expertise will strengthen international efforts to protect peace and promote Euro-Atlantic integration in this key region, “said Prime Minister Johnson.
British Minister Liz Truss said that “the appointment of Sir Stuart is a clear proof of Britain’s commitment to the Western Balkans and to defending and promoting freedom and democracy in the region”.
“I look forward to deepening our economic and security ties with the Western Balkans and working together to deter malicious actors.
Sir Stuart will play a key role in this work, “said Minister Truss. Sir Stuart Peach will take over the role after resigning as President of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) earlier this year, a role he has held since 2018. He also previously served as Chief of Staff of the United Kingdom Army.
