Zvizdić discussed BiH, European and NATO path with Palmer and Cormack

SARAJevo, (Patria) - Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Denis Zvizdić held talks in Washington with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs of the USA and Special Envoy for the Western Balkans at the State Department Matthew A. Palmer and former US Ambassador to BiH Maureen Cormack, on the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

Zvizdić thanked them for their support and said that the USA has been, is, and remains the most important, most powerful, and most consistent friend and ally of BiH in preserving its integrity, protecting its sovereignty, and strengthening its state capacity, that they are most responsible for numerous segments of institutional strengthening of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that for this reason BiH should continue to be a reliable partner of America in the Western Balkans region, the Council of Ministers of BiH announced.

Chairman Zvizdić particularly emphasized that mutual understanding and good political cooperation should be improved and further expanded to the field of economic cooperation and an increased level of American investments in development sectors in BiH. Increased presence of American officials in BiH is necessary, said Chairman Zvizdić, inviting investors from the USA to invest in BiH, and citizens of the USA to visit BiH in as large numbers as possible, where they will find a friendly environment.

During the talks, Special Envoy Palmer said that Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most important factors of stability in the Western Balkans region and that the USA remains strongly committed to protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH, as well as preserving stability and security through the continuation of the Euro-Atlantic integration process.

Zvizdić and Palmer agreed that the rule of law is key to the process of European and NATO integration, which represents one of the most important and fundamental values of democratic states. They particularly emphasized that peace and stability have no alternative for the economic progress and cooperation of countries in the region.

Zvizdić and Palmer also discussed the reasons for the non-formation of government in BiH, stating that the biggest problem is the non-acceptance of the Annual National Program, as a prerequisite for further NATO integration of BiH. They said that it is important to fulfill this condition, as well as that it is necessary to form a government as soon as possible, considering the best interests of BiH, and with the indispensable respect for valid laws, decisions, and strategies adopted by the competent institutions.

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH said that BiH should remain on the path of reforms, democratization, respect for domestic laws and international standards, and that it is necessary to intensify activities on the path of EU and NATO integration in order to become part of the family of modern and prosperous states as soon as possible.

Palmer emphasized that the USA remains a strongly committed and sincere friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina in all reform processes and integrations that lead to security, stability, and economic prosperity, and that the issue of NATO integration processes is understood as a matter of the rule of law, increasing the level of security which, based on proven experience, leads to overall stabilization and an increased level of domestic and attraction of foreign investments, new jobs, retention of young people, and a better quality of life standard.