Michael Murphy is expected to arrive in Sarajevo next month as the new US Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the US Senate confirmed his appointment.

Murphy laid out his priorities for his work with BiH at a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on October 5 this year, saying that Bosnians strive towards Euro-Atlantic integration and security and that his top priority would be maintaining and strengthening the integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Confirmed by voice vote: Exec. Cal. #450 Michael J. Murphy, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) December 18, 2021

In addition to ensuring and strengthening the sovereignty and integrity of BiH, he stressed the support for the work of the Office of the High Representative, whose task is to implement the 5 + 2 agenda, which could eventually lead to the closure of the OHR, once fully fulfilled.

He expressed support for the High Representative of the international community in BiH, the international official overseeing the civilian implementation of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement, as well as his role in the implementation of the ‘5+2 Agenda’ – a set of conditions the country must meet before it graduates from international supervision.

He stressed that the majority of BiH citizens want membership in the European Union, as well as NATO, and that he help the country implement all the necessary reforms in order to achieve that goal.

Murphy also said his priorities in Bosnia will be to help the country strengthen rule of law and the fight against corruption.