Prime Minister repeats strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU path

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Tuesday expressed hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina's upcoming general elections would strengthen the country's political stability while ensuring the equality and legitimate representation of its three constituent peoples.

Plenković made the remarks after meeting in Zagreb with Dragan Čović, Speaker of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Darijana Filipović, a member of the Parliamentary Assembly and HDZ BiH's candidate for the Croat seat in the country's three-member Presidency.

According to the Croatian Government, the meeting focused on the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, its European Union accession process and ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Plenković said the October elections would represent an important political moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina and voiced hope they would contribute to the country's stability while respecting the equality of Bosnian Muslims, Croats and Serbs through the legitimate representation of all three constituent peoples.

He also stressed the importance of continuing reforms needed for Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession, saying the current geopolitical climate has created renewed momentum for EU enlargement and an opportunity for the country to advance its membership bid, provided it meets the necessary criteria.

The officials also discussed expanding economic cooperation and trade, improving transport links between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and implementing the Southern Gas Interconnection project, which Plenković described as a strategic contribution to regional energy security.

Plenković added that Croatia would continue supporting Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina through investments in education, healthcare, culture and transport infrastructure, saying these projects also contribute to the country's overall development.

Filipović is HDZ BiH's candidate for the Croat member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency. The party says she has a realistic chance of winning after Željko Komšić, who is not eligible to seek another term, was elected four times largely with the support of Muslim voters.