Sarajevo - Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković said in Sarajevo on Wednesday that Croatia remains steadfast in its commitment to respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and supporting the equal status of its three constituent peoples.
Jandroković is on a two-day official visit to BiH, which began with a meeting with the Archbishop of Sarajevo, Tomo Vukšić. Speaking to reporters, he said that Croatia’s policy towards BiH remains focused on fully respecting the country with a desire to strengthen its internal structures through integration into European institutions.
"We understand that the Dayton system is not ideal, but it is the outcome of a post-war agreement involving BiH, its neighbours, and major global powers. We want BiH to develop well, ensuring equality and constituency of all its peoples, which we consider extremely important. Euro-Atlantic integration should strengthen BiH’s institutions and reform efforts, and Croatia will offer strong support in this regard," Jandroković said.
Jandroković and Vukšić visited the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, part of the Vrhbosna Theological Seminary complex in Sarajevo, which has been declared a national monument.
Vukšić thanked Jandroković for Croatia's care for BiH and its Catholic Croats, as well as for its support of BiH’s European aspiration.
"It is crucial to maintain structural cooperation between Croatia and BiH," Vukšić said.
This marks Jandroković’s first visit to BiH as Speaker of the Croatian Parliament. Later in the day, he will meet with leaders of BiH's parliament, and Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto. He is also scheduled to visit Kreševo in central Bosnia, one of the municipalities severely affected by the flash floods in October.
The Croatian government had allocated €10 million in aid for the affected areas. Jandroković expressed hope that these funds would be utilised efficiently to provide timely assistance to those impacted by the floods.