Bosnia and Herzegovina must overcome its political crisis in order to refocus on the socio-economic challenges which cause hardships for its citizens and drive the emigration of talented young people, High Representative Christian Schmidt said during talks in London with the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Elizabeth Truss.

Schmidt, who is tasked with overseeing the civilian implementation of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement in Bosnia, told Truss that “Britain’s longstanding support for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Dayton Peace Agreement has been an indispensable element in maintaining peace and that UK engagement continues to play a significant role in the country’s economic recovery,” a statement by his office said.

He proposed focusing on economic cooperation with BiH and “the need to help strengthen the participation in particular of the younger generation to overcome the old segregating narratives.”

The German diplomat also expressed confidence that a reenergized and focused approach by the International Community will result in Bosnia and Herzegovina quickly becoming a “peaceful, viable state irreversibly on course for European integration.”

Schmidt also spoke to Minister for Europe and Americas Wendy Morton, the Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser David Quarrey, and Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey.

He also met with members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina All-Party Parliamentary Group, whose objective is to strengthen relations and cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UK.