Crnadak visits the US: Bosnia and Herzegovina lacks consensus on NATO membership

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Igor Crnadak, on the second day of his visit to the United States, gave a lecture at the Atlantic Council and had a meeting at the US National Security Council, thus concluding his visit to the United States yesterday, the MFA BiH announced, reports the Patria News Agency.

The lecture held at the Atlantic Council, on the topic "Future European Initiative", was attended by a large number of representatives of the US administration, the diplomatic corps, journalists, and representatives of other areas of public life in Washington. During his presentation, Minister Crnadak informed the attendees about the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, BiH's foreign policy priorities, and the goals that need to be achieved in the future.

Minister Crnadak particularly emphasized the importance of submitting the application for BiH's membership in the European Union, which is expected to happen on February 15th of the current year. He also noted that the continuation of European integration remains the commitment and priority of all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Minister Crnadak also spoke about the commitment to constructive cooperation with the NATO alliance, mentioning the participation of members of the Armed Forces of BiH in the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) operation in Afghanistan, noting that despite a strong commitment to substantive cooperation with the NATO alliance, there is no consensus in Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding full membership in the same alliance.

At the end of the lecture, Minister Crnadak underlined the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina's strategic commitment to membership in the European Union and explained the significance of the affirmative support of the United States for Bosnia and Herzegovina. After the lecture, a round table and open debate were held, during which high-ranking guests had the opportunity to ask Minister Crnadak questions.

After the lecture at the Atlantic Council, Minister Crnadak had a meeting with Dr. Charles A. Kupchan, a senior official of the US National Security Council (Director for European Affairs). During the meeting, Minister Crnadak exchanged views with his interlocutor on the current political, economic, and security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, the statement said.