BiH lacks formal diplomatic relations with eight UN member states

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH confirmed that all UN member states recognize the country, as membership was approved unanimously by the UN Security Council and General Assembly on May 22, 1992. Formal diplomatic ties with Papua New Guinea and Palau are in progress, while the lack of relations with the other six countries stems from internal policies rather than a refusal to recognize BiH.

Former diplomat Nedim Makarevic explained that these gaps are largely technical or due to geopolitical priorities, and do not affect Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international status. “BiH has full international subjectivity, recognized statehood, and a stable reputation in international institutions,” he said.

Professor Nedzma Dzananović Mirascija added that the absence of formal relations may limit bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and culture, but it does not diminish BiH’s global legal and political identity.

Experts agree that while these diplomatic gaps are largely symbolic, strategic coordination, active diplomacy, and multilateral engagement could strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international credibility and presence.