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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, Mr. Charlie Flanagan, T.D., met today with the Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Igor Crnadak. This was the first bilateral meeting between the two Ministers and the discussion touched on a range of issues but focussed on Bosnia’s application to join the EU and on Brexit.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Flanagan said:

“I was delighted to welcome Minister Crnadak to Ireland for his second visit – he was here at the EPP Summit in 2014. We have always had a warm relationship with Bosnia and Ireland welcomed many refugees here during the time of the Balkan Wars. Today, we are pleased to see a more stable region, and encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina along its path to membership of the European Union. Today was an important opportunity to hear from Minister Crnadak on the plans of the Bosnian authorities to progress their preparations.

“The UK’s decision to leave the EU was also discussed, and I outlined Ireland’s priorities for the negotiations ahead. In acknowledging that there will be major challenges ahead for the EU and for Ireland, I also highlighted that the EU remains true to its core values of rule of law, democracy and human rights. These are the values which draw others to us, and they are as important to existing Member States as they are to those who aspire to join the Union.”