Konaković in New York with Ministers of the American-Adriatic Charter

(Patria) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, today, on the third day of the UN General Assembly session, met with the ministers of the member countries of the American-Adriatic Charter (A5).

In his address, he touched upon the security circumstances the world is currently facing, with the conviction that this meeting is simultaneously a confirmation of the will and readiness of the Western Balkans region to intensify further cooperation, reaffirm partnership in the spirit of respect for good neighborly relations and common interests.

He illustrated his stance and hope for a brighter future for the EU and the Western Balkans with a quote from Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

He explained this by recalling that the Western Balkans region has made significant progress in the last two decades, despite having a very dark post-war reality, and it seemed impossible then to bring the Western Balkan countries together. Now, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, and the Republic of North Macedonia are NATO members, and Croatia is a member of both NATO and the EU.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a candidate country for EU membership and is progressing on that path, and BiH's cooperation with NATO also significantly contributes to creating a more advanced and peaceful environment in the region.

He recalled that the situation, especially in BiH, seemed impossible, but recently adopted reform laws undoubtedly represent the necessary steps that bring BiH closer to the EU.

Currently, it is crucial for EU partners to recognize and acknowledge this fact, to see our progress, and for future European Commission reports to move BiH towards the enlargement package. We need understanding and mutual assistance in common as well as individual goals that lead to the EU family.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted the EU to understand the strategic importance of the Western Balkans region, and the Western Balkans has confirmed its full and unequivocal commitment to the perspective of EU membership and calls for the acceleration of accession processes.

This is the perfect momentum and moment that EU leaders should seize for the integration of the region. The Western Balkans is intensifying its strategic dialogue with EU institutions, and as was recently stated at the Brdo-Brijuni Summit, the EU and the Western Balkans should prepare for enlargement as soon as possible, by 2030 at the latest. We can do what seemed impossible through joint work on achieving European standards, good governance, functional trade, and building stability and security. Bilateral and multilateral cooperation must be continuous.

Finally, Konaković expressed hope and optimism that the hard work and transformation will yield results that will bring BiH and the Western Balkans region to their final goal.