Overcoming the political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina is necessary to refocus the country on the serious socioeconomic challenges its citizens are facing, which cause hardships for all and drive the emigration of talented young people, High Representative Christian Schmidt said during talks in London with the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Elizabeth Truss.
The High Representative told Foreign Secretary Truss that Britain’s longstanding support for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Dayton Peace Agreement has been an indispensable element in maintaining peace and that UK engagement continues to play a significant role in the country’s economic recovery. The High Representative proposed focusing on economic cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the need to help strengthen the participation in particular of the younger generation to overcome the old segregating narratives.
The High Representative expressed confidence that a reenergized and focused approach by the International Community will result in Bosnia and Herzegovina quickly becoming a “peaceful, viable state irreversibly on course for European integration.”
During his visit to London, the High Representative also held talks with Minister for Europe and Americas Wendy Morton, Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser David Quarrey, and Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey.
In addition, High Representative Schmidt met with members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina All-Party Parliamentary Group, whose objective is to strengthen relations and cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UK.
