Samantha Power, the Administrator of the US Agency for International Development, will pay a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina later this month to reaffirm the US' commitment to partnering with Bosnian citizens in building a democratic and prosperous future of a stable and functional Bosnia and Herzegovina, the agency has announced. According to media reports, Power asked to meet all three members of Bosnia's tripartite Presidency.

The administrator's arrival scheduled for January 19-21 comes amidst heightened tensions and rhetoric, said the visit announcement, according to which Power will stress “the need for all stakeholders in BiH to work towards unity and to strengthen their collective efforts for building a secure and stable future for all citizens of BiH.”

“During her visit, the Administrator will engage with USAID’s local non-governmental partners, in both BiH entities and from all major ethnic groups. She will meet with government officials, civil society and youth activists, investigative journalists, environment defenders, small business leaders, and survivors of the Bosnian War. All of her engagements will emphasize the United States’ strong commitment to promoting reconciliation, countering corruption, fostering civic activism, advancing democratic reform and the rule of law, and generating new economic opportunities for the citizens of BiH,”

According to a diplomatic note signed by the US Embassy in Sarajevo, which was published by some local media outlets, Power asked for a meeting with all three members of Bosnia's tripartite Presidency as well.

Power, who is a wartime correspondent from BiH and Pulitzer-Prize winner, took office in May 2021.

She also served as the US Ambassador to the UN.

Srpskainfo