Dodik's Secessionism Among Topics Discussed by CIA Director in Sarajevo

(Patria) - The reason for CIA Director William Burns' visit to Sarajevo was, among other things, to discuss the worrying secessionist rhetoric and actions of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and the RS Government, a US government official told RSE.

"They discussed issues of mutual interest, which include the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina," the US government stated regarding the visit.

CIA Director William Burns arrived in Sarajevo today, where he met with the Director of the Intelligence-Security Agency (OSA) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Almir Džuvo.

Džuvo told RSE that "this was a visit that had been arranged earlier, and that Burns expressed support for the cooperation of agencies, as well as for the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina".

Burns also met with members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković.

Burns, a former diplomat and former ambassador to Russia, is a central figure in the administration of US President Joe Biden, as he is also a member of the White House Cabinet.

He was appointed Director of the CIA by President Biden in January 2021.

Burns took the oath of office as Director of the CIA in March 2021, becoming the first career diplomat to hold the position of director. Biden promoted him to the cabinet in June 2023.

Burns has served six presidents and administrations (both parties) during nearly four decades of public service in diplomacy and intelligence. He is only the second diplomat in history to become Deputy Secretary of State, and he was also the US Ambassador to Jordan.

After retiring from diplomatic service at the end of 2014, Burns served as President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

He graduated with a degree in History from LaSalle University and holds Master's and Doctoral degrees in International Relations from Oxford University.

Former CIA Director John Brennan last visited Sarajevo in 2016.