Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković on an official visit to the Republic of Finland

On February 6, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, is on an official visit to the Republic of Finland. He held separate meetings in Helsinki with Elina Valtonen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, and Jussi Halla-aho, the President of the Parliament of Finland.

In his conversation with Minister Valtonen, both leaders reaffirmed the good and friendly relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Finland and expressed a mutual desire to improve these ties further. Minister Konaković expressed his gratitude for Finland's ongoing support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's European integration process and the EU enlargement efforts. He briefed Minister Valtonen on the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the importance of the European path and ongoing reform processes. He emphasized that the full integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with other Western Balkan candidate countries, into the EU is crucial for ensuring long-term security and stability in both the region and Europe. Minister Konaković pointed out several challenges facing Bosnia and Herzegovina, including its complex constitutional arrangement and political blockades attributed to the SNSD and former President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik. He stressed that these issues hinder reform processes and European integration. Additionally, he expressed hope that two key laws regarding the Court and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) will be adopted by March of this year, ahead of the publication of the European Commission's report. He added that establishing a framework for negotiations and determining a date for the First Intergovernmental Conference is vital for advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU aspirations.

The discussions also highlighted significant opportunities for enhancing economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Finland, particularly in the industrial, energy, and tourism sectors. Both leaders acknowledged the need to strengthen collaboration between institutions, business associations, and chambers of commerce. They also agreed on the importance of intensifying the exchange of business delegations and organizing joint business and investment events. Furthermore, they discussed the European Union's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which Bosnia and Herzegovina views as a crucial tool for linking reforms to tangible economic development, with the possibilities for deepening cooperation with Finland.

In his meeting with President Halla-aho, Finland's strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's European perspective was confirmed. They agreed on the importance of stability, ongoing reform processes, and strengthening democratic institutions for the country's progress. The two leaders exchanged views on further enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the economic sector.

At the conclusion of his visit, Minister Konaković is scheduled to meet with representatives of the Bosnian diaspora in Finland, aiming to strengthen the ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutions and its citizens living and working in Finland.