Bosnia and Herzegovina counts on Spain's support for its EU bid: Minister

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Bosnia and Herzegovina believes in Spain's support as the country strives to become a member of the European Union, Bosnia’s foreign minister said Thursday.

Elmedin Konakovic's remarks came after a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in the capital Sarajevo.

The relationship between the two countries is at a "good level," Konakovic told a press briefing, adding he hopes to increase the amount of talks they have with Albares.

Albares for his part said that Spain attaches importance to the Western Balkan region as well as to the EU membership of its countries, noting that both items are among his nation’s "priorities."

He added that he also discussed Russia's war on Ukraine with Konakovic and reiterated that his country will continue to support Kyiv.

Bosnia and Herzegovina was the Spanish foreign minister's second stop after Serbia, which he visited Wednesday.

"I will convey Spain's renewed interest in the region. We will address its European accession and its relationship with the EU during the Spanish presidency. We will strengthen the friendship between Spain and the Western Balkans," he said as he began his visit to Serbia.

Albares met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic and European Integration Minister Tanja Miscevic during his visit to discuss their "bilateral relationship and their accession process to the EU."

He also said that they signed an agreement to support Serbia's European journey.