Cvijanovic met with Benjamin Netanyahu: "Crown jewel of the visit to Israel"

During a recent meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, and Greece, Giorgos Gerapetritis, both sides expressed strong satisfaction with their bilateral relations, emphasizing that there are no open issues between the two countries. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation in several areas including economy, energy, tourism, and European integration. This meeting took place in Sarajevo, where both ministers highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and mutual support in achieving shared goals.

The meeting underscored Greece's commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards European Union membership. Konaković thanked Greece for its robust support, while Gerapetritis emphasized that the European integration of the Western Balkans would be one of the priorities during Greece's presidency of the European Union in 2027. A notable point discussed was the restoration of direct flights between Athens and Sarajevo starting in October. This move aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic ties between the two nations.

Konaković highlighted Greece's significant support for Bosnia and Herzegovina over the years, particularly through the initiative of seven friendly states of the Western Balkans. He publicly thanked Greece and Minister Gerapetritis for their support on Bosnia and Herzegovina's European journey. Both countries have more than 20 bilateral agreements in place, many of which are currently being implemented. Konaković noted that a large number of people from Bosnia and Herzegovina travel to Greece for vacations, indicating potential for further intensified cooperation.

In discussing the political situation within Bosnia and Herzegovina, Konaković informed his Greek counterpart about current challenges, including the issue of the Office of the High Representative (OHR). He stressed the importance of maintaining the OHR with all its powers, expressing hope that domestic politicians can reach agreements without needing to rely on the OHR's intervention. Additionally, he pointed out that over 90 percent of Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports go to the European Union and candidate countries, reinforcing the significance of European integration for the country.

Energy security was another crucial topic addressed during the meeting. Konaković warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina still heavily relies on Russian gas transported via Turkey. Due to European regulations set for 2028, the country might face difficulties in securing this supply. He mentioned plans to initiate formal discussions with Greece regarding possible solutions to address this challenge. However, he acknowledged that completing the southern interconnection project fully operational within the next year and a half is unlikely.

Gerapetritis emphasized the need for renewed momentum in the European perspective of the Western Balkans. He stated that Greece has consistently supported the European outlook of the Western Balkans since the Saloniki Agenda in 2003. He urged the expansion process of the European Union to regain credibility and political impetus, stating that European integration of the Western Balkans will be high on the agenda during Greece's EU presidency in the second half of 2027. Efforts will be made to ensure progress in this area before the end of that period.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Željka Cvijanović, a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during her visit to Israel. She participated in the International Political Summit organized by the Jerusalem News Syndicate (JNS) in Jerusalem. During their meeting, Cvijanović expressed gratitude for Netanyahu's long-term good relations and understanding shown towards the Republika Srpska and their positions. They discussed opportunities for enhancing economic ties through stronger connections between relevant ministries in the governments of Israel and the Republika Srpska. Cvijanović emphasized that solid political and institutional relations would serve as a foundation for strengthening cooperation in all areas of common interest. As of now, Netanyahu has not officially commented on the meeting.