US withdraws from RCC governing board: Secretary general responds

Kapetanovic noted that the RCC learned of the decision through the media and is currently awaiting official notification from Washington, which is expected to clarify the details of the move. Headquartered in Sarajevo, the RCC was established in 2008 as the successor to the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe.

"The United States has been an important contributor and guarantor of such cooperation over the years, and I hope it will continue in another form. As Secretary General of the RCC, I respect this decision, although I regret that the RCC has been affected as part of a broader US withdrawal from important multilateral organizations and mechanisms," Kapetanovic said.

He further noted that multilateral diplomacy faces serious challenges and expressed hope that all actors are willing to make additional efforts to preserve it. The RCC Secretariat continues its work with all 25 members of the Governing Board. Kapetanovic concluded that regional cooperation remains the greatest strength of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans, with the RCC focusing on European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

This withdrawal follows a memorandum signed by incumbent US President Donald Trump, ordering the exit from various international organizations and mechanisms in line with a previous Executive Order. The document, published on the White House website, states that after consultations with the Secretary of State and the cabinet, it was determined that remaining a member or providing support to certain organizations is contrary to the interests of the United States. The memorandum directs all US institutions to implement the withdrawal immediately.