President Radev from Sarajevo: Bulgaria should restore its leadership role in the Balkans

President Rumen Radev urged the Bulgarian politicians to solve their internal problems as soon as possible.

President Radev pays a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina

During his visit to Sarajevo, the Head of State emphasized that security in Bosnia and Herzegovina is of strategic importance for the entire region.

Bulgaria should restore its leadership role in the Balkans as soon as possible, President Rumen Radev is convinced. From Sarajevo, he addressed the Bulgarian politicians and parties:

"Bulgaria was the first to respond to all major issues in the region, was the leader in decision-making and the first to offer support. Where is that Bulgaria now?” was the question to the Bulgarian politicians. “I think it is high time to stop burying our heads in the sand, to stop dealing with our internal provincial and family quarrels and to go back to where we belong. In Bosnia and Herzegovina they view Bulgaria as a worthy strong member of NATO and the EU."

President Rumen Radev said that security in Bosnia and Herzegovina is of strategic importance for the entire region. He added that Bulgaria remains firmly committed to the mission of the Althea mission (EU peacekeeping mission) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The main objective of Altea is to establish a multi-ethnic police service in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will operate in line with international standards. The President highly appreciated the work of the Bulgarian contingent of servicemen at Butmir military base:

The main goal of Altea is to establish a multi-ethnic police service in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will operate in line with international standards. The President highly appreciated the work of the Bulgarian servicemen at Butmir military base:

"Bulgaria continues to help the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina so that they achieve a higher standard in their training and of course on their path to NATO membership, although there is no political consensus on this membership at the moment. I keep explaining to the authorities here that they should look at the recent history of Eastern Europe - all the countries that we are currently EU member states have previously become members of NATO."

The President held meetings in the Parliamentary Assembly, met with the Chair of the Council of Ministers, and spoke with the High Representative of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rumen Radev laid a wreath at the memorial plaque, a symbol of the friendship between Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.