Bosnian and Serbian ministers discuss reconciliation and regional cooperation in Sarajevo

Minister Konakovic emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in the region.

“We discussed one of the most important aspects of our region, cooperation. When we speak of European and economic ambitions that should bring better lives to our citizens, both we and international actors are expected to show that we can work together. That’s not always easy in the Balkans, which is why I especially appreciate today’s focus on these topics,” Konakovic stated.

He noted that while there are historical issues Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia will never agree on, there are also shared interests that can foster future progress.

“Serbia is among Bosnia and Herzegovina’s five most important trading partners, proving how crucial regional cooperation is. It’s my priority. I’m glad Minister Zukorlic is on an official visit and will meet with several officials. I had an excellent working relationship with the late Mufti Muamer Zukorlic, who laid the foundation for the relations we are building today. Our biggest problem remains the emigration of young people. The region is often seen as a crisis zone, but today’s meeting should be a step toward a future that benefits our citizens,” he added.

Minister Zukorlic said it was an honour to make his first official visit to Sarajevo in his current role.

“We covered many important topics, including those often avoided by politicians: reconciliation, regional cooperation, and social stability. I’m proud to carry the title of Minister for Reconciliation. My goal in coming to Sarajevo is to renew and strengthen relations between Belgrade and Sarajevo. I’m not satisfied with the current state of bilateral relations, they’re a prerequisite for Balkan stability,” he said.

Zukorlic stressed the importance of improving relations, particularly for the Bosniak community in Sandzak, who suffer most when ties between Belgrade and Sarajevo deteriorate.

He firmly rejected any narrative of “peaceful separation” and promoted a policy of reconciliation.

“I believe historical reconciliation between Serbs and Bosniaks is possible. We’ve seen similar healing between Serbs and Hungarians despite past conflicts and casualties. Through difficult conversations, disagreements, and mutual understanding, we too can reach reconciliation. There will be challenges, but giving up isn’t an option. The alternative is another war, and does anyone want that? To avoid future conflict, which sadly isn’t impossible in this region, we must hear the word ‘reconciliation’ more often in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let it become part of our everyday language,” Zukorlic said.

Toward recognition through honest dialogue

On the topic of Srebrenica and confronting the past, Zukorlic emphasised the need for sincere discussions.

“To reach the point of acknowledging the genocide in Srebrenica, honest dialogue is essential. That’s why I’m here today, ahead of the anniversary, to initiate conversations between Belgrade and Sarajevo. We need to prepare the atmosphere for the 30th anniversary in a dignified manner, beyond daily political agendas. It would be a disgrace for such an important date to be reduced to political calculation.”

He concluded by calling for open dialogue and mutual respect as the only path toward lasting regional stability, stating that his goal is to make reconciliation the foundational narrative of the Western Balkans.