The United States strongly supports Bosnia's progress towards the integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, said newly appointed US Ambassador Eric Nelson, adding that the country needs reforms and even more it needs courageous, forward-looking leaders.
Addressing the first press conference after taking office, the ambassador said he had a very informative and engaging start of his tenure in Bosnia and that he already started to feel at home.
“I look forward to leading my government's work here to advance prosperity, security, and respect for the rule of law to benefit all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he said.
Nelson was sworn in on February 12 this year replacing former Ambassador Maureen Cormack, who served the post for the past four years.
“The US will continue to be a guarantor of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. My top priority will be helping Bosnia and Herzegovina to achieve progress toward its declared goals of becoming a member of NATO and the EU,” the new ambassador told the reporters in his first address.
“I arrive at a time when Bosnia and Herzegovina is reaching a very important point on that path to securing a promising future. The necessity for reforms is becoming more pressing. The need for courageous, forward-looking leadership is even more critical,” he added.
A week after taking the oath, Nelson presented his letter of credence to Bosnia's head of the state, expressing hope he would have successful cooperation with the state Presidency.
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In his first press conference, the new ambassador said he would cooperate with those ready to face challenges.
“This is a country of enormous potential, beauty, and resources. I look forward to leading an Embassy team that is strongly committed to standing shoulder to shoulder, assisting the citizens and leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are ready to face the country’s difficult challenges,” said Nelson.
Nelson has been a US diplomat since 1980 and before he was named Ambassador to Bosnia, he was the Deputy Executive Secretary and Director of the Executive Office of the Executive Secretariat within the US State Department.
He also served in numerous diplomatic missions to foreign countries.
