The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Josip Brkić, led today in Sarajevo the delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina at bilateral consultations with the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium. The Belgian delegation at the consultation was led by the general director for bilateral relations of the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Ambassador Jeroen Cooreman.
The consultations discussed bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Belgium, the current political situation in our country, the process of EU integration and regional cooperation, and multilateral issues.
The interlocutors emphasized the importance of maintaining bilateral dialogue and cooperation between BiH and the Kingdom of Belgium, especially within the framework of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU.
They also discussed the topic of enlargement and the importance of the European accession process, which has a transformative character for the prosperity of states and societies, economic and overall reforms.
Brkić emphasized that relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Belgium are good and friendly. He pointed out that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In this context, he welcomed the decision to reopen the Embassy of Belgium in Sarajevo, which will further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
When it comes to European integration, Brkić expressed his gratitude to Belgium for supporting the decision to open negotiations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU, which is extremely important for our country and the continuation of reform processes.
He informed the interlocutors that on April 24, the first introductory meeting of the delegations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Commission was held in Brussels after the opening of negotiations, where they discussed the next steps and clarification of the negotiation process, ahead of the upcoming intergovernmental conference. He also referred to the importance of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which will, first of all, enable the economic progress of the country, new jobs and retain young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He emphasized that our country has fully harmonized its foreign policy with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU.
Director General Cooreman emphasized the importance of implementing reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a fulfillment of priorities from the Opinion of the European Commission. He reiterated Belgium’s willingness to continue providing support to our country on its way to the EU.
During the consultations, the role of the EUFOR ALTHEA mission, mutual support for candidacies in international organizations and the improvement of economic cooperation were also discussed.
The interlocutors welcomed the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding in diplomatic training through training on the EU affairs of the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of Belgium, which was realized for representatives of the MFA BiH and DEI BiH in November 2023 in Brussels, it was reported from of the Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.