BiH FM and UK minister discuss OHR role amid concerns over Bosnia’s stability

According to Bosnia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two officials also discussed reform priorities and ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom.

Konakovic thanked the UK for its continued support for Bosnia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order, as well as its backing of the country's reform agenda and European path.

A significant part of the meeting focused on preserving institutional stability and implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Konaković stressed that political stability and functioning state institutions are essential for Bosnia's progress towards European Union membership, underscoring the importance of maintaining the full mandate of the Office of the High Representative (OHR).

He said the purpose of the High Representative's Bonn Powers is not their frequent use, but their existence as an ultimate safeguard for protecting the Dayton Peace Agreement, Bosnia's constitutional order, state institutions and the country's stability until the "5+2" conditions for the closure of the OHR are fulfilled.

The officials also exchanged views on the appointment of a new High Representative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong and credible international presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Konakovic said the future High Representative should remain committed to protecting the Dayton framework, the constitutional order and the functionality of state institutions.

The meeting also addressed what the participants described as growing malign foreign influence in the Western Balkans and its impact on European integration and regional stability.

According to the Foreign Ministry, both sides noted that such activities serve the geopolitical interests of the Russian Federation in the region.

Konaković said Bosnia's EU path continues to be obstructed by the blockades and secessionist policies of Milorad Dodik and his Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), arguing that they have slowed reform efforts and weakened the functioning of state institutions.

At the same time, he welcomed what he described as the increasingly pro-European orientation of opposition parties in BiH's Republika Srpska (RS) entity, saying it provides fresh momentum for reforms and Bosnia's European integration.

Doughty reaffirmed the United Kingdom's strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order, stressing that Britain remains a reliable partner in preserving peace, stability and democratic development.

He also reiterated London's support for the mandate and authorities of the Office of the High Representative, highlighting the importance of coordination among international partners in safeguarding the Dayton Peace Agreement, maintaining stability and advancing reforms.

The two officials concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of energy, the economy and investment, while expressing a shared interest in developing new projects aimed at boosting resilience, sustainable economic growth and Bosnia's European future.