Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said during his visit to Serbia on Friday that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina must not be jeopardised and that secessionist tendencies should not be encouraged.

Scholz made the statement after meeting with Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vucic, in Belgrade. One of the topics they discussed was the political situation in BiH.

The German Chancellor stressed that “everyone must oppose” secessionist tendencies in BiH and that he believes the planned October 2 elections in the country will be held on time.

He stated that the international community wants the countries of the Western Balkans to achieve progress and have the perspective of joining the European Union.

Scholz said he asked for Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine.

“Sanctions are very effective, much more than those imposed after the annexation of Crimea. The sanctions we have now imposed are something that will not just disappear when the war is over and so that Russia realises that it cannot dictate peace with Ukraine but must negotiate with it and agree on an agreement that will protect Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. We expect all countries that are candidates for the European Union to join the sanctions against Russia,” Scholz said.