Bosnia’s Foreign Minister Igor Crnadak said, on Thursday, it is impossible to talk about regional security without talking about the migrant situation, adding that over 20,000 migrants entered Bosnia since January 2018.

“More than 22,000 migrants, refugees and asylum seekers entered the country, of which 4,000 are currently seeking humanitarian aid, which is burdening Bosnia’s capacities,” Crnadak said at the 25th OSCE Ministerial Council in Milan, Italy.

Thanks to EU funds, he said, most migrants were accommodated in migrant centres but additional help and accommodation facilities are needed.

Crnadak welcomed the OSCE’s efforts initiated by Italy to deal with the migrant issue in the Mediterranean region.

Regional cooperation is of great importance for Bosnia, he added, especially in light of the region’s joint EU integration process, and it will continue the dialogue and cooperation with the OSCE and its member states.

Speaking at the OSCE plenary session, Bosnia’s Foreign Minister said this year will be marked by armed conflicts, political tensions, terrorism, migrations, cyber and organised crime in the world threatening the social and economic development across the world. Therefore, the OSCE must continue to be the platform for resolution and discussion of new challenges.

On Friday, Crnadak will meet with the OSCE’s media freedom representative Harlem Desir.