Filipovic announces renewed communication between BiH Presidency, Croatian leadership

Filipovic was responding to a question about the lack of communication with then-Croat member of the BiH Presidency Zeljko Komsic, whom Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic declined to meet officially because he was allegedly elected mainly with Bosniak votes, without which they considered Croatian electoral legitimacy.

"All of that will clearly change, but the lack of communication primarily harms the interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina," Filipovic said in an interview in Croatian Radio and Television's main evening news programme.

She described Croatia as Bosnia's key neighbour, an important trading partner and an EU and NATO member, as well as a strong advocate of the country's EU membership bid.

Filipovic, who is also the vice-president of the Croat Democratic Union (HDZ BiH), said the lack of communication between the two countries had been "a missed opportunity" rather than a political stance, expressing hope that relations with Croatia would become "a key bridge" for the country towards Europe.

She said members of the Presidency should have the legitimate backing of the people they represent so that its decisions have democratic legitimacy and a positive impact on the country's political processes.

On foreign policy, Filipovic said she expected no change of direction but an acceleration, with EU integration remaining the priority.

She also said she expected no disputes with Serb Presidency member Zeljka Cvijanovic, who was re-elected on Sunday, or Bosniak member Denis Becirovic.

She identified energy stability, construction of the Corridor Vc motorway and other forms of international cooperation as areas of common interest.

Filipovic declined to comment on possible coalitions between the HDZ BiH and other parties, saying it was too early to discuss them before the election results were final and official.