The foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is based on the Constitution, laws and other relevant state documents.

They clearly state that we stand for respect for international law and the fundamental principles on which interstate relations are based.

Bosnia and Herzegovina acts in accordance with obligations from concluded and accepted agreements and other international instruments, as well as membership in international organizations and associations.

The State of Bosnia and Herzegovina pays particular importance to the strengthening of regional cooperation.

The state policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards neighbouring and other countries is based on:

- respecting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states;

- equality in interstate relations;

- ban of interventions in the internal and external affairs of other states;

- resolving open issues through interstate dialogue;

- respecting the principles of peaceful and good neighbourly cooperation.

Regional cooperation in general, in the bilateral and multilateral sense, is an important aspect of strengthening stability and security. By active participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in regional initiatives, we want to position Bosnia and Herzegovina as a proactive and constructive partner.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to provide concrete support to regional cooperation, including the Brdo-Brijuni process initiative, again emphasizing the importance of the Thessaloniki Agenda for EU membership and the accelerated implementation of the Berlin process.

Reflections of the global quakes are felt to a great extent in this part of Europe as well.

We are witnessing profound political, economic and social changes, both in the region itself and internationally.

Russian aggression against Ukraine is the biggest geopolitical earthquake of enormous proportions. It is not only a war against Ukraine, but also a dangerous threat to the entire democratic and free world.

Unfortunately, a new iron curtain has been drawn again, dividing the world into states that respect the universal principles of the United Nations and human dignity, and states that do not respect human rights. We need to direct our countries according to democratic values, standards and principles.

The countries of Southeast Europe are facing a huge test.

The representatives of these countries decide whether the 21^st century in this part of Europe will be the century of peace and development or the century of new disasters. No catastrophe in the last century has bypassed us. Let us do everything in our power to avoid in the 21^st century the tragedies of the previous century.

Let us collectively learn from the past, especially the tragic 1990s, and look towards the future. Let us open room for projects that bring economic and any other progress.

One of the prerequisites for more successful cooperation in the region is the respect for the following principle: Anything we do not want to happen in our countries, we do not do it to others. When we implement this principle, we will reduce a large number of problems.

Important questions are before us: How to move forward? What to do? What to offer people living in our region?

To begin with, let us offer a vision of the region of the XXI century. Let us show the good way in these turbulent times.

We strive to build democratic and free states, members of the European and Euro-Atlantic family of countries, in which different identities - national, ethnic, religious, regional, social and other - are freely developed and respected, but in which the common European identity is also respected.

It is a vision of economically and institutionally developed countries, oriented towards cooperation, development, peace, with societies based on knowledge.

Let us explain to the people of the region that our diversity is an asset and an advantage, not a curse and a weakness.

Let us establish educational systems that will raise young generations for peace and tolerance, not for conflict and hatred.

As states that respect and cooperate with each other, we have a chance for progress in the 21^st century, confronted, we are condemned to stagnation.

We should not seek an alibi for our failures in others. Let us apply the Scandinavian model of cooperation, not the Balkan one. Our future is in our hands.

Bosnia and Herzegovina supports projects that contribute to development and strengthen the living standards of citizens.

Let us use the Energy Support Package of the European Union (EU) to help the countries of the Western Balkans in solving the energy crisis.

Improving energy efficiency and building capacity in response to climate change, such as the recent major floods in Slovenia and Croatia, are common challenges facing the entire region and the EU itself and as such require our unified approach.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is determined to participate in the energy transition towards green energy sources. In this regard, the EU's help in a just energy transition is very important to us, and will reduce the social impact.

Our goal is to intensify work on the development of the transport network and the completion of the construction of corridor 5c, as well as the start of work on the Adriatic-Ionian road through Bosnia and Herzegovina. We all need to work together on infrastructural, energy and economic connection of the countries of the Western Balkans with the EU.

The membership of the countries of the Western Balkans in the EU represents an irreplaceable framework for strengthening peace and stability in Europe.

We have taken on the obligation to harmonize the common foreign and security policy with the EU. We must respect that obligation and show that we are credible partners.

I believe that the voices of the highest EU officials who advocate not only the acceleration of the European integration process, but also a different approach to the enlargement process are important and encouraging. Such an approach, which I fully support, implies easier access to the EU structural and cohesion funds for countries in the enlargement process, as well as greater participation in the work of the EU institutions. This is the best way to reduce the economic gap with the EU, build infrastructure, create jobs and reduce the departure of young people.

Let us permanently close the Balkan Pandora's box.

Attempts to redraw and draw new state borders are the greatest source of evil and unhappiness. We have seen that such attempts result in great suffering. Let us learn something from our past. Instead of dangerous ideas about border changes, let us turn to economic development and true friendly cooperation.

Thank you for your attention!