Sweden will continue supporting reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the country's European Union candidate status, said a statement issued prior to the visit of Sweden's delegation to Sarajevo and new development strategy for the Western Balkans.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Interior Minister Mikael Damberg and Special Envoy on Organised Crime Hakan Jevrell are set to arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday for an official visit, where they will meet the State tripartite Presidency members Milorad Dodik and Zeljko Komsic as well as Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic.

“The goal of this visit is further strengthening of already good cooperation of Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina, talks on the development process within the country and the region, the progress regarding the EU reforms and Sweden's continuous support to reform efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will serve the citizens and enable the country to move forward on the EU path,” said the statement.

The main focus of the visit will be put on the reforms and joint efforts towards strengthening of the rule of law and security in Europe, through the fight against organised crime.

“Sweden will continue supporting the reforms that will enable significant progress in all 14 key priorities set by the European Commission's Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU membership application, and which will be needed in order for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become an EU candidate country. The Government of Sweden is currently in process of adoption of a new development strategy for the Western Balkans, including Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said a statement issued prior to the visit.

The foreign delegation will also meet the civil society organisations and the international community representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.