The political consultations focused on the developments in Ukraine. Both diplomats highlighted the importance of solidarity and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Deputy Minister Brkić stressed that difficult wartime experiences of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s citizens have led to a better understanding of victims of the conflict and a genuine readiness to provide humanitarian aid. Despite the fact that Bosnian political elites differ in their assessment of the war, the issue of helping Ukrainian refugees is subject to a nationwide compromise.

The two officials agreed that Russia’s actions pose a challenge not only to Ukraine, as it is struggling with direct military aggression, but also to the whole Western Balkans region, which is exposed to numerous hybrid threats.

Deputy Minister Mularczyk pointed out that Poland, as is the case with Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, supports the European ambitions of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as of other Western Balkan countries, and has been actively promoting their membership of European structures. Deputy Foreign Minister Brkić thanked for the support Poland has provided to date and for its technical assistance. Moreover, he called for the acceleration of the integration process, particularly in the context of the ever-growing involvement of third countries.

The talks also covered German reparations for Poland for the losses suffered as a result of World War II. Deputy Minister Mularczyk presented his interlocutor with the methodology used to compile a report on the issue and with plans for Poland’s future actions to obtain war compensation.

Very good relations between the two countries were emphasised. The deputy head of the Polish MFA also stressed that establishing a direct air link between Warsaw and Sarajevo last year provided an impetus to developing economic cooperation. A better transport link means not only growing trade but also increased cultural, social, and tourist contacts.

 

MFA Press Office