US, Bosnia and Herzegovina talk cooperation in Balkans

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - The US administration and Bosnia and Herzegovina presidency discussed Friday cooperation between the two countries in the Western Balkans to ensure peace and stability in the region.

The US State Department said in a statement that Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun met virtually with three members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, Milorad Dodik, Zeljko Komsic, and Sefik Dzaferovic.

The cooperation between the countries has been supported by more than $2 billion US assistance provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina since the Dayton Peace Accords, including over $4 million in COVID-19 assistance, the statement said.

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Biegun urged the Presidency "to fully realize the promise of peace by enacting the governance reforms necessary to enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to achieve Euro-Atlantic integration."

Biegun said the US values its longstanding partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina, supports its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continues to stand as its partner committed.