Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić and members of the Presidency of BiH Šefik Džaferović and Milorad Dodik received today Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

The members of the Presidency of BiH emphasized that the attitudes of Austrian leaders who support the accelerated path of the Western Balkan countries, and thus BiH, towards membership in the European Union, are a special encouragement for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The meeting said it was crucial that EU enlargement remained high on the agenda despite other challenges facing the EU, noting that a clear European perspective was key to the security and stability of the entire Western Balkans region.

The members of the Presidency of BiH thanked the Republic of Austria for the overall assistance and support it has provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina so far at the bilateral and multilateral level. They pointed out that BiH and the Republic of Austria are two friendly countries, among which there are no open issues.

Chancellor Nehammer said that BiH and other countries of the Western Balkans should continue on the path of ensuring peace and stability in the region, in which the Republic of Austria will provide them with wholehearted assistance.

He pointed out that the Republic of Austria is ready to be a bridge towards faster accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the EU. He expressed readiness for him personally, as well as his country, to share experiences and help in mutual dialogue in solving internal problems.

The members of the Presidency of BiH emphasized the role of the Republic of Austria in the field of internal stability and security of BiH through the participation of its contingent in the EUFOR-ALTHEA Mission.

Chancellor Nehammer praised the very good cooperation between BiH and the Republic of Austria in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration, the BiH Presidency said.