High Representative Christian Schmidt met in The Hague with Dutch Deputy Minister for European Affairs Heleen Bakker and Director of International Affairs and Policy at the Ministry of Defence Laurien Sillevis to discuss the current security and political situation in BiH and the Western Balkans.

Schmidt stressed that while the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina ultimately lies in the hands of its leaders and citizens, the international community remains ready to support the country’s efforts to ensure stability and prosperity, progress on its path to EU integration and ensure full respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement.

“A stable, democratic and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina, firmly positioned within the European family, reflects the aspirations of its citizens and Europe as a whole. International actors, and above all domestic leaders, have a shared responsibility to make this goal a reality, as it represents the clear will of the citizens,” said High Representative Schmidt.

He thanked his interlocutors for the Netherlands’ support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political stability and institutional functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for its continued commitment to the Dayton Agreement and its instruments, including the OHR.