Bećirović discussed with US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker at the State Department

(Patria) - Member of the BiH Presidency Denis Bećirović held an important meeting with the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker at the State Department building in Washington.

Under Secretary Hooker is one of the highest-ranking officials in the US State Department, responsible for managing and overseeing all bureaus and diplomatic networks worldwide, including the Bureau of Europe and Eurasia.

Bećirović expressed gratitude to the people and government of the USA for their continuous and comprehensive support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina has concretely proven to be a reliable partner and ally of the USA. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a credible member of the global coalition against terrorism, and BiH security services have reached a high level of cooperation with American security services. The Armed Forces of BiH, together with the US military, have participated in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations.

The member of the BiH Presidency pointed out opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the USA. In this context, he particularly emphasized the importance of the Southern Gas Interconnection, as a strategic project of economic, political, security, and energy significance. This project contributes to energy security, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is positioning itself as part of the American energy network. The construction of the Southern Gas Interconnection is a test that will show which political actors are ready to strengthen the strategic partnership with the USA through concrete actions.

In addition to the Southern Gas Interconnection, Bećirović highlighted opportunities for investment in the energy, infrastructure, tourism, and defense industry cooperation sectors, with a clear message that Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a stable, predictable, and partnership-oriented framework for American companies.

Bećirović reiterated the stance that the priority foreign policy goal of Bosnia and Herzegovina is full membership in NATO. Our country is an aspirant for NATO membership, with an activated Action Plan for Membership (MAP). Five Annual National Programs (ANPs), referred to as the BiH Reform Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina, have been submitted. The member of the BiH Presidency emphasized the very good cooperation to date in security and defense, with the potential for further improvement. He stressed Bosnia and Herzegovina's readiness to continue joint action in building Bosnia and Herzegovina's defense capabilities.

Bećirović stated that American leadership is of key importance for protecting peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. In this context, he pointed to the importance of the OHR as one of the key factors in preserving stability in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Under Secretary Hooker affirmed the strong commitment of the USA to an independent, sovereign, and stable Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its support for the Dayton Peace Agreement.