Lord Stuart Peach’s visit was part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the country, and support for BiH aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.
Over the course of his visit, Lord Peach met BiH Presidency members Zeljko Komsic and Denis Becirovic, Chairwoman of the BiH Council of Minister Borjana Kristo, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konakovic to discuss economic, political and security issues. Lord Peach reiterated the UK’s continuous strong support for BiH’s reform agenda and the UK’s readiness to support the delivery of sustainable reforms that deliver real change for the people of BiH.
He also met Chief of BiH Armed Forces Joint Staff General Gojko Knezevic and Deputies Major General Mirsad Ahmic and Major General Tomo Kolenda to whom he reaffirmed UK commitment to Western Balkans security and support to the Armed Forces of BiH. Lord Peach praised BiH for hosting an important Women Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence Network Conference, organised in cooperation with the UK, emphasised mutual benefits of recent joint training of BiH and UK Armed Forces, and highlighted importance of Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence BiH embracing reform and modernisation in pursuit of Euro-Atlantic integration.
In the light of ongoing pressures on cultural institutions of importance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lord Peach hosted a dinner with representatives of these institutions which are a vital part of the shared history and values of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was keen to hear from them about the challenges they are facing and potential solutions for ensuring a sustainable future for these institutions, including through proper and timely funding.
Lord Peach’s latest visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina follows visits to North Macedonia and Serbia earlier this week.
