Crnadak spoke with Palmer: US strongly supports the development of economy and democracy in BiH

DUBROVNIK, (Patria) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Igor Crnadak met today in Dubrovnik, on the sidelines of the Dubrovnik Forum, with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States Matthew Palmer.

During the meeting, Minister Crnadak and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Palmer discussed the current political situation in BiH and the region. Palmer confirmed the strong support of the US for the Dayton Agreement, as well as for the European integration process and the continuation of reforms in BiH.

During the conversation, Palmer stated that the US wants the strongest possible development of the economy and democracy in BiH, based on the BiH Constitution and the internal agreement of the three constituent peoples and two entities. In the part of the conversation about the relations between Republika Srpska and the US, Palmer stated that Washington respects Republika Srpska and its role and constitutional capacity within BiH, and that the claims that the US is hostile towards Republika Srpska are not true.

Minister Crnadak emphasized that membership in the European Union and regional cooperation remain foreign policy priorities of BiH, but that the development of relations with the US is equally important for BiH.

- As a representative of Republika Srpska in the Council of Ministers of BiH, I believe that Republika Srpska can be completely at ease with such positions of the American administration led by President Donald Trump. It is very important for me that the relations between Republika Srpska and the US are open and friendly, and that Republika Srpska, as part of BiH, is an important factor of lasting peace and long-term stability in the region - emphasized Minister Crnadak during the meeting.

The meeting also discussed the progress of the Belgrade-Pristina negotiation process, as well as other topics related to the region.

This is the first meeting of the minister with Palmer since he was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the US, succeeding Hoyt Brian Yee.