The meeting highlighted the US commitment to preserving the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, met in Washington with Brendan Hanrahan, Senior Official of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the United States.
Konaković thanked the United States for its continued support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in strengthening institutions, implementing reforms, and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. During the meeting, he emphasized the need to overcome political divisions in the country and noted that the success of reform processes depends on the joint and responsible actions of all institutions. Konaković recalled that the political situation in the country remains burdened by blockades and obstacles that slow institutional work and affect stability, stressing that these challenges must be overcome to strengthen institutions, restore public trust, and ensure progress on the European and Euro-Atlantic path.
The Minister informed Hanrahan that, for some time, there has been a coordinated campaign by separatist actors and their lobbyists aimed at spreading false claims about alleged attacks by Muslims on Christians and threats to their rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Speaking on economic priorities, Minister Konaković emphasized that it is crucial for the country to strengthen its economy by attracting new investments, creating a stable and predictable business environment, and ensuring greater transparency in decision-making processes. In this context, he particularly highlighted strategic infrastructure projects such as the Southern Gas Interconnection, which, in addition to providing energy security, has significant potential for domestic economic development and opens new opportunities for cooperation with American partners.
Hanrahan underlined the clear and long-term commitment of the United States to preserving the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that peace and stability in the country and in the Western Balkans are of strategic importance to Washington. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation among domestic political actors on reforms and strengthening institutions.
Continuing the discussion, Hanrahan expressed support for projects contributing to the economic and energy security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the strategically important Southern Gas Interconnection. He stressed that the diversification of energy sources is a key element for enhancing the country’s independence, stability, and resilience, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina reported. |BGNES, Sarajevo Times