Josip Brkic, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, participated in the Central European Initiative (CEI) ministerial meeting held on November 20, 2024, in Tirana. The meeting served as a platform for discussions on strengthening CEI's role in regional cooperation, enhancing the European integration process, supporting Ukraine, and addressing current challenges.

Brkic began his address by congratulating Albania for its excellent year-long chairmanship of CEI, which successfully organized numerous activities aimed at boosting regional collaboration. He emphasized Bosnia and Herzegovina's solidarity with the Ukrainian people amid Russia's aggression and expressed the country's commitment to supporting CEI's efforts to assist Ukraine in overcoming humanitarian crises and reconstruction efforts.

Brkic reiterated Bosnia and Herzegovina's full respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. He noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina aligns with the EU's positions and statements on the Common Foreign and Security Policy, both in Brussels and at international forums.

Addressing the European integration process, Brkic highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently in the preparatory phase of EU accession negotiations, following the European Council's decision to open accession talks in March 2024. He praised the new growth plan for the Western Balkans, which serves as a significant boost to the region's integration process, and urged for greater regional cooperation and accelerated EU enlargement.

The Central European Initiative is one of Europe's oldest regional organizations, bringing together 17 countries to strengthen cooperation among its members.