Japan-Bosnia and Herzegovina Relations
Meeting between Minister for Foreign Affair Kamikawa and Mr. Christian Shmidt, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina
July 18, 2024
On July 18, commencing at 4:20 p.m. local time (11:20 p.m. JST) for approximately 35 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Minister of Japan, held a meeting with Mr. Christian SHMIDT, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose office is responsible for peace implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, High Representative Schmidt welcomed Minister Kamikawa's visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support to the activities of the Office of the High Representative. In response, Minister Kamikawa stated that peace and stability in the Western Balkans is important for Europe as a whole and that Japan has consistently supported Bosnia and Herzegovina's nation-building by taking advantage of its neutral position towards the three main ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She stated that Japan, as the Steering Board member of the Peace Implementation Council（PIC）, continues to support the High Representative and assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in its reform efforts under the ‘Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative’.
- Minister Kamikawa also stressed the importance of stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the face of some separatist movements, and explained various supports which Japan has provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In response, High Representative Schmidt explained the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressed appreciation for Japan's efforts including support for the private sector such as small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular. The both sides then shared the view that they would continue to work together towards stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- In closing, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan has been supporting the operation of the Office of the High Representative since 1997. The both sides shared the recognition on the need to continue their cooperation towards its efficient operation.