British Minister Doughty: We are firmly committed to working with BiH leaders for a stable and prosperous future

(Patria) - British Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty issued a statement on the occasion of thirty years since the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or the Dayton Peace Agreement, in Paris in 1995.

"Thirty years ago, the Dayton Peace Agreement ended one of the darkest chapters in the history of our continent and laid key foundations for peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today we pay tribute to all victims of this brutal conflict and remind ourselves that European security must never be taken for granted.

The United Kingdom has long played a leading role in preserving the sovereignty, independence and aspirations of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards closer Euro-Atlantic integration. This includes our continued work with the High Representative, EUFOR and other partners to preserve Dayton, with the support of UN Security Council resolutions.

Achieving self-sustaining peace and reconciliation, strengthening economic connectivity and fulfilling the aspirations of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a peaceful and prosperous future were at the heart of the discussions at this year's Berlin Process, organised by the United Kingdom, to support significant progress across the Western Balkans region.

We are firmly committed to working with the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region to support efforts towards a more stable and prosperous future for all citizens.

In the spirit of Dayton, we continue to encourage consensus and compromise, implementation of reforms and progress with a focus on what unites, not divides," the statement reads.