Minister Konaković participated in the Second Ministerial Meeting of the 'Platform for Peace in the Balkans' initiative

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, participated in the Second Ministerial Meeting of the regional initiative "Platform for Peace in the Balkans" (BPP) on January 23, 2026, in Istanbul. He attended the meeting at the invitation of Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan.

The "Platform for Peace in the Balkans" initiative, launched in 2025 at the proposal of the Republic of Türkiye, aims to strengthen political dialogue, regional cooperation, and joint action in areas of strategic importance for the stability and prosperity of the region.

The second ministerial meeting brought together foreign ministers from Balkan countries and representatives from Türkiye, focusing on exchanging views on current regional and global challenges. Special emphasis was placed on enhancing practical cooperation and trust through projects in connectivity and logistics, migration, civil protection, and youth inclusion and innovation. These areas are deemed key for ensuring security, stability, and the European future of the region.

Minister Konaković highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina views this Platform as a practical framework for bolstering trust and cooperation among Western Balkan countries and Turkey. He stressed the importance of connectivity and logistics for economic sovereignty, resilience, and geopolitical relevance, as well as the need for a coordinated approach to managing migration through information sharing. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of strengthening civil protection capacities and disaster response, advocating for institutionalized solidarity in crises. In his remarks about youth and innovation, he endorsed the organization of "Balkan Teknofest," an internationally recognized Turkish festival of technology and innovation, and called for the establishment of a permanent cooperation network. This network would facilitate collaboration among students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, creating a regional hub for knowledge and innovation.

Furthermore, Minister Konaković stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina perceives this Platform not as an alternative to the European Union but as a complementary framework that strengthens the path toward European integration. He reiterated that the Western Balkans share a clear and unwavering strategic goal of full EU membership, and that joint actions under this initiative would further enhance the European perspective for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region.

Participants at the meeting assessed that the initiative represents a significant step toward institutionalizing regional cooperation and building trust among Balkan countries.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Konaković held several bilateral discussions with colleagues from the region and the host country, addressing issues of mutual interest.