At a time of growing risks of instability and external political
interference in the Western Balkans, UK Minister for Europe,
will reinforce the UK's
determination to deepen its relationships across the region as
the Minister begins a visit to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
today (Tuesday 21 May).
With Russia's brutal war in Ukraine demonstrating that security
in Europe cannot be taken for granted, Minister Ghani will call
on the leadership of both countries to work towards a prosperous,
stable and secure future for their peoples and to refocus efforts
on reconciliation.
Ahead of the visit, UK Minister for Europe said:
The Western Balkans has seen its share of conflict and
insecurity. We cannot allow hard-won peace to be put at risk.
Countries like Russia are actively seeking to capitalise on
divisions to destabilise the region for their own objectives.
That's why the UK is providing long-term investment for the
region – growing our trading links, standing up for sovereignty
and forging closer security partnerships to crack down on
organised crime groups.
A stable and prosperous Western Balkans is vital to our economic
prosperity and collective security.
Minister Ghani will express the UK's ambition for a stronger,
mutually beneficial relationship, celebrating UK-Serbia trade
reaching £1bn per year when she meets senior figures from the new
Serbian Government.
Given Serbia is a major transit country along the Western Balkans
route, she will welcome Serbia's ongoing work to tackle organised
immigration crime, delivering on the partnership agreed
with the UK government at the European Political Community
meeting in October.
Minister Ghani will also underline her expectations for Serbia to
play a constructive role in improving relations with its
neighbours, including through the Serbia-Kosovo Dialogue.
In Sarajevo, the Minister will emphasise the scale of opportunity
ahead for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and encourage leaders to
refocus on making progress on key reforms in line with its own
Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
The Minister will reinforce the UK's unequivocal support for
Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and territorial integrity in
the face of secessionist rhetoric and activity by some Bosnian
politicians in contravention of the country's constitution.
She will set out that the UK will not hesitate to continue taking
action against those who seek to destabilise the country, as
demonstrated by recent UK sanctions
