State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić holds political consultations with BiH Deputy Foreign Minister Brkić

State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić in Sarajevo held regular political consultations with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Josip Brkić. Apart from bilateral relations, the two officials also discussed European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes in Southeast Europe, as well as tasks ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina in that context.  
 
Croatia reiterated its strong support for granting Bosnia and Herzegovina the EU candidate status, preferably by year’s end. Expectation was expressed that the implementation of election results would lead to a quick formation of government and that Bosnia and Herzegovina would set about implementing reforms on its European path. Both sides agreed that maximum effort should be made to ease the impact of the crisis caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on the political, security and economic relations in Europe. Croatia is still willing to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening all aspects of its Euro-Atlantic integration. Concerning bilateral relations, the two officials underscored readiness to pay special attention to key infrastructural and energy project in 2023, with the aim of improving transport connectivity and diversifying energy supply routes for Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as building the Croatia-BiH South Interconnection Gas Pipeline. Metelko-Zgombić commented on the plans to build Trebinje airport and called for Bosnia and Herzegovina to acknowledge Croatia’s concerns regarding environmental protection.
 
During her stay in Sarajevo, the state secretary also met with Director of the Directorate for European Integration Edin Dilberović, offering the transfer of Croatia’s experience with efficient coordination and distribution of competence in the context of aligning national legislature with that of the EU.
 
Visiting the EU Delegation, Metelko-Zgombić exchanged views with Special Representative Johann Sattler on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European perspective, notably the prospect of offering the country the candidate status, as well as reforms ahead.
 
The state secretary also held talks with High Representative Christian Schmidt, relaying the Croatian government’s support for his efforts to stabilize the relations in BiH, notably his acts following the general elections in October.
 
Metelko-Zgombić wrapped up her visit to Sarajevo by attending the traditional gathering of Croatian businesspeople operating in BiH, members of the Croatian Business Club, organized by the Croatian Embassy to BiH and the Croatian Chamber of Economy.

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