Britain’s special envoy for the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce, reaffirmed London’s strategic commitment to the region’s stability during talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign minister Elmedin Konaković on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum on Friday.
Konaković thanked the UK for its support in strengthening the rule of law and state institutions, while briefing Pierce on Bosnia’s political challenges, including institutional blockades, threats to the constitutional order and the emigration of young people. He said preserving sovereignty, territorial integrity and functional governance was vital for the country’s European path.
The minister highlighted the importance of the upcoming Berlin Process summit in Belfast, where migration, border security and tackling criminal networks will be in focus. He said Bosnia was ready to deepen cooperation with the UK in these areas, including through a bilateral readmission agreement.
Pierce said the stability of the Western Balkans was of “strategic importance” for Europe and welcomed the region’s inclusion in EU–UK foreign and security policy dialogues held every six months. She pledged continued British support for Bosnia’s reform agenda.
The two officials also discussed gender equality ahead of a planned forum in Sarajevo in September, and welcomed Bosnia’s participation in a regional Cyber Diplomacy Network.
Both sides expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral ties and joint efforts to bolster regional stability.