Representatives of the UK meet with Komšić: NATO membership and rule of law are key for BiH

Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić received Baroness Goldie, Minister of State in the UK Ministry of Defence, and Lord Ahmad, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of the Prime Minister for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The current political crisis in BiH was discussed, with particular emphasis on the blocking of state institutions and the potential threat of transferring competencies from the state to the entity level by certain political actors from the Republika Srpska entity, as well as in the Federation of BiH.

Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić emphasized the significant support of the United Kingdom for the reform and integration processes in BiH on the path to EU and NATO membership. He also pointed out that the reforms of the Election Law, the implementation of all five judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and the mass emigration of citizens due to fear, insecurity, and economic stagnation are major problems in BiH.

Baroness Goldie stressed that the United Kingdom will continue to provide intensive support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH, and that the policy of division is unacceptable. Baroness Goldie expressed concern about the political crisis, which is reminiscent of the early nineties, and stated that NATO membership is very important for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Lord Ahmad expressed satisfaction with the good relations between the two countries, intensive and meaningful cooperation in numerous areas, and that continuous support and investment in human and material resources speak volumes about the UK's sincere friendship with BiH.

It was jointly assessed that politicians in BiH should focus on approaching European standards that apply in other European countries, such as the protection of human rights and minority rights, the rule of law, technological modernization, and economic development.

Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić thanked Baroness Goldie and Lord Ahmad for the support and assistance that the United Kingdom selflessly provides to the Armed Forces of BiH.