The President of the Government of Spain receives the Croat member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Moncloa Palace

Sánchez underlines his firm commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's territorial integrity to Komšić

President's News - 2022.2.9

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Moncloa Palace, Madrid

Sánchez considers it essential to deepen regional cooperation in the Balkans, developing policies that consolidate reconciliation and promote collaboration between neighbouring countries.

The President of the Government of Spain said: "Spain remains firmly committed to the sovereign, united and stable territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina" and underlined its support for the role of the Office of the High Representative in defending that integrity.

Pedro Sánchez stressed that "Spain is aware of the ties that have united it with Bosnia and Herzegovina" and has shown interest in strengthening them - this meeting being a first step - with more political dialogue, greater cooperation in regional forums and more economic interaction. Spain and Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on 14 December 2022.

Spain was a particularly relevant country in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s. Since 1992, more than 46,000 Spanish soldiers have participated in UN, NATO and EU missions, with 23 military personnel killed. In addition, Spain has cooperated in the country's development and reconstruction.

Spain is currently supporting the stabilisation of the country by participating in Operation EUFOR/ALTHEA. Spanish military personnel stationed in Sarajevo collaborate in the development of the Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Sánchez reiterated Spain's support for Bosnia and Herzegovina to Komšić in making progress on the 14 priorities set by the European Commission to start the EU accession process, including electoral reform. For this reason, the head of the Executive pointed out the importance of the upcoming election in the country, in October this year, and the wish that they "contribute to democratic normality, improve coexistence and open the way to progressive normalisation".

Another of the topics analysed during the meeting was the interest of Spanish companies in collaborating in Bosnia and Herzegovina in areas in which they are world leaders: consultancy, engineering, construction and equipment for transport infrastructure, the environment and renewable energies.

Non official translation