Analysts: With US Support, Sarajevo Confirmed its International Reputation and Strengthened Ties with Washington

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The United States of America is the most important foreign policy ally and friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the support Sarajevo provided in the fight against the pandemic represents a first-class political event with great symbolic significance, state in their statements for sarajevo.ba, Dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo, Dr. Sead Turčalo, and political analyst Zlatko Hurtić.

A photograph of the City Hall illuminated in the colors of the American flag with the message: "We stand with you as you have always stood with us" went around the world, and it was shared on social networks not only by the US Embassy in Sarajevo but also by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Official Washington thus expressed gratitude to the City of Sarajevo for its words and message of support at a time when the US is facing a great danger and rapid spread of the virus.

Dr. Turčalo emphasizes that Sarajevo, as the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has the political strength and capacity for such a message to leave a mark.

"Sarajevo carries weight in global terms. Although it is a symbolic act, it came at the right time. In a way, we showed that we not only appreciate all that the US has done for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past three decades, but that we are ready to preserve these good relations in the future. The fact that the Secretary of State paid attention to this act indicates that Sarajevo holds exceptional importance for official Washington," Turčalo said.

Hurtić states that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sarajevo should invest in strengthening relations with the United States of America, as their most important international partner.

"The coronavirus pandemic has caused global disruptions in geopolitical relations. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to know where and how to position itself. Support for the United States is sincere, strong, and open. Official Washington is continuously on the side of BiH, including Sarajevo as its capital, regardless of the current political moment. The photograph of the City Hall with the American flag caused enthusiasm in diplomatic circles as well, as an act by the mayor of the capital city, and that should be appreciated," Hurtić stated.

According to him, Sarajevo has been systematically working to strengthen its international role and ties with cities around the world, especially in the US, for the past two to three years.

"This is noticeable and contributes to the progress of the entire country. A strong capital city is a confirmation of a strengthening state," adds Hurtić.