The Diplomat
The Spanish Ambassador to Sarajevo, María Molina Álvarez de Toledo, offered Spain’s experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession process to the European Union.
Molina Álvarez de Toledo was received on Monday, November 24, by the Mayor of Siroki Brijeg (Western Herzegovina), Ivo Pavkovic, with whom she discussed strengthening political and economic ties, developing cultural and sporting cooperation, and linking local communities through twinning projects between the city of Siroki Brijeg and local entities in Spain.
During the meeting, according to the Sarajevo Times, the ambassador affirmed that Spain supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aspirations to join the European Union and wishes to continue collaborating on its behalf through the exchange of experiences and knowledge.
Last June, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reiterated to his Bosnian counterpart, Elmedin Konaković, in Madrid, Spain’s support for the country’s territorial integrity and for initiatives that contribute to its stability, the initiation of accession negotiations with the European Union, and the arrival of funds from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
Three months earlier, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling for “respect for institutions in the face of growing tension in Bosnia and Herzegovina” and warning that the secessionist actions of the Republika Srpska authorities are “contrary to the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina” and jeopardize “the territorial integrity and stability of the country, which are fundamental for the entire Western Balkans region.”