The two officials confirmed the positive and friendly relations between the two countries. State Secretary Raščan specifically underlined the wish for deepening economic relations, noting that there remain many unexplored opportunities. He gave an assurance that Slovenia will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in development cooperation and its reform efforts as it remains one of the target countries for development cooperation. The State Secretary highlighted the role of the Enhancing Human Security (ITF) organisation that has been successfully taking on demanding demining tasks in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the past 24 years. ITF will continue to implement its projects as there are still many mine-contaminated areas that pose a serious risk for the local population.

The two officials also addressed the country’s Euro-Atlantic perspective, with State Secretary Raščan reiterating Slovenia’s support for the path of a united and sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina towards EU and NATO membership and calling for the stabilisation of the situation and the return to full functioning of state institutions. Divisive and separatist rhetoric and actions are unacceptable, and reforms and dialogue should be placed centre stage. They also addressed cooperation between the two countries in the multilateral field.

As part of the visit, State Secretary Raščan also held separate meetings with Edin Dilberović, Director of the Directorate for European Integration of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The officials exchanged views on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rapprochement to the European Union and on the current situation in the country.