site.btaUPDATED President Radev in Sarajevo Praises Bosnia's Efforts on Its Path to EU Integration

President Rumen Radev, who is on an official two-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, praised the country for its reforms and added that Bulgaria would gladly share its experience for successful European integration. Radev spoke at a joint press conference with the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Becirovic, who invited him to visit in the first place.

The President reported that the Bulgarian and Bosnian delegations outlined measures and priorities on Bosnia and Herzegovina's path to the EU. He added: "I mentioned specific policies, the [two countries'] delegations shared specific knowhow. What is most important is the consolidation of efforts in the country. The country needs consensus. I understand the political system, the state structure of Bosnia, and I commend the political leadership for reaching consensus, for coming to an understanding on specific matters despite the complex system."

"As a result of the severely deteriorated security, of the tectonic shifts of the layers in the geopolitical environment, the EU is much more committed to the European integration of the Western Balkans and to the enlargement policy as an important instrument for consolidating the European space of prosperity, security and stability", Radev noted. "I guarantee that Bulgaria remains open for support and sharing of experience - how to optimise structures, how to consolidate efforts within the country so that this accession path is much smoother." 

He added that Bulgaria is ready to share both its negative lessons and positive experiences for Bosnia's successful European integration. 

Denis Becirovic pointed out that last year the country almost fully harmonised its foreign policy with that of the EU. 

"I thanked (Radev) that Bulgaria has sent 121 representatives to (the EU mission in Bosnia) EUFOR," Becirovic noted, adding that joining NATO and the EU is a unanimously defined foreign policy goal of his country.

Radev also met with the Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljka Cvijanovic, which was followed by plenary talks between the countries' delegations.

The Bulgarian President is scheduled to meet with members of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the Chair of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Kristo and with the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt on Thursday.

Radev will also pay a visit to the Butmir military base, which hosts Bulgarian among other servicepersons taking part in Operation Althea. He will meet with Commander of the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina Major General Laszlo Sticz.

The head of state's last meeting with representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina took place on April 12, 2023, when Konakovic paid an official visit to Sofia at the invitation of then foreign minister Nikolay Milkov. Within the framework of the visit, meetings were held with Radev and then prime minister Galab Donev.