Welcome to the official website of the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington D.C. All important consular information, our diplomatic, cultural and activities regarding the public diplomacy can be seen on this place.


AMBASSADOR SVEN ALKALAJ HOLDS WORKING MEETINGS WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS


On December 10 and 11, 2025, Ambassador Sven Alkalaj held working meetings with members of the United States Congress: Keith Self, Wesley Bell, William Keating, and Jake Auchincloss.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Alkalaj informed his interlocutors about the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly emphasizing the following:

The Ambassador further emphasized the importance of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) as a key stabilizing factor, warning that serious blockages are already occurring on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path toward the EU – the two key laws required to open accession negotiations cannot be adopted due to systematic obstruction by SNSD and HDZ representatives. He also briefed the interlocutors on the dangerous narratives from Max Primorac’s recent appearance at a congressional hearing, linking them to efforts to legitimize secessionist projects, including initiatives for the creation of a third entity.

Congressman Keith Self expressed particular interest in a more detailed explanation of the role of the OHR and the need for the use of Bonn powers, emphasizing that he wants to fully understand why its mission remains necessary. He expressed hope that the strength of Dodik’s political influence would weaken, and that opposition forces in Republika Srpska would have a serious chance of taking power in the future. Congressman Self noted that hybrid attacks are ongoing and informed Ambassador Alkalaj that a congressional hearing titled Hybrid Warfare in Europe Against U.S. Interests: Moscow and Beijing’s Plan of Action will be held on December 16. He stated that he believes and hopes Bosnia and Herzegovina will remain whole and stable.

Congressman Wesley Bell emphasized that the United States must remain continuously engaged in the Balkans, as any vacuum would be dangerous and could open space for destabilization. He stressed that the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina must be preserved, highlighting in particular the importance of the Southern Interconnection project, which he views as a key step toward ending dependence on Russian gas. He noted that his office is a friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that the Embassy can always rely on their support.

Congressman William Keating stressed that the Dayton Peace Agreement is of essential importance, but also expressed deep concern about the broader political situation, including challenges within the United States itself. He said that these are “difficult times,” but reiterated his principled support for Bosnia and Herzegovina, consistent with the positions he expressed during the recent congressional hearing. He emphasized that he will continue to act clearly and responsibly in the legislative process.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss expressed clear and firm support for a sovereign and unified Bosnia and Herzegovina. He pointed out that Max Primorac comes from a think-tank organization inclined toward ethnonationalist narratives and that such statements do not reflect the official views of Congress. He emphasized that U.S. engagement is absolutely necessary and that no vacuum must be allowed to form. In his reflections on broader regional issues, he noted that countries must strengthen their economies and individual rights in order to overcome ethnonationalist tensions.

All meetings featured open, constructive, and substantive dialogue, confirming the continued support and interest of American partners in the stability and future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.


THE 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA’S STATEHOOD DAY AND THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAYTON PEACE AGREEMENT AT THE EMBASSY OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA IN WASHINGTON, D.C.


Washington, D.C., November 19, 2025 – On the occasion of the 82nd Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the United States of America hosted a formal reception at the Embassy premises in Washington, D.C.

The reception was attended by cca 120 of guests, including representatives of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), the White House, the National Security Council, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and a high-level delegation from the U.S. state of Maryland, with which Bosnia and Herzegovina has maintained a successful state partnership for 22 years. Numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps and members of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora living and working throughout the United States were also present.

Distinguished guests included Congressman Michael Turner, Deputy Assistant Secretary/State Department representative Dan Lawton, as well as numerous ambassadors of countries from the region and EU member states, representatives of U.S. institutions, international organizations (the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund), Bechtel, and the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank). The reception was also attended by senior U.S. officials, among them Congressman Mike Turner, Vice Chair of the Defense and Security Committee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel J. Lawton.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Sven Alkalaj, the host of the reception, emphasized the significance of this year’s anniversaries as a reminder of the fundamental values of statehood, as well as the peace and partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States. Ambassador Alkalaj highlighted that marking the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement is of particular importance, as the agreement not only ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also marked the beginning of a lasting partnership and friendship with the United States — a country that played a key role in establishing and preserving peace, stability, and democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Speaking on behalf of the State Department, Lawton extended congratulations on the occasion of Statehood Day, underscoring the United States’ continued support for reform processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Congressman Turner reflected on the upcoming anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, stressing its enduring importance for peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He also recalled his role at the time as the Mayor of Dayton, the city where the agreement was concluded.

In his address to the attendees, Chairman Komšić noted that this year marks the 82nd anniversary of the restoration of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s statehood, highlighting the historical importance of the ZAVNOBiH session and the Declaration on the Rights of the Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted in Sanski Most.

He emphasized that the foundations of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s statehood are based on the principles of equality of all peoples and citizens, and that these principles continue to serve as a compass for building a modern, democratic, and inclusive state.

Komšić also warned about the dangers of maintaining the current ethnic-based governance model, which, as he said, generates tensions and conflicts.

As an alternative, he presented a vision of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a democratic state in which individual human rights are constitutionally protected and all citizens are equal — a prerequisite, in his view, for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The ceremony took place in a spirit of friendship, unity, and mutual respect, and featured Bosnian-Herzegovinian cuisine provided by the event’s sponsors.


INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON MARKING 30 YEARS OF THE DAYTON PEACE AGREEMENT


An international conference dedicated to commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement was held in Washington on November 19, 2025. The event brought together numerous Bosnian and international officials, academics, diplomats, and representatives of the American political leadership, with the aim of examining the long-term impact of Dayton on Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans, and drawing lessons applicable to contemporary global conflicts.

Among the panelists were Sead Numanović, editor-in-chief of Politicki.ba, and Reuf Bajrović, head of the US-Europe Alliance. American officials also shared their perspectives and experiences, including long-serving Senator Chuck Grassley and Congressman Mike Turner, as well as former High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko, The Guardian journalist Julian Borger, and prominent U.S. analysts Daniel Serwer and Tanya Domi.

Particular attention was drawn to the keynote address delivered by Željko Komšić, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, titled “The Legacy of Dayton: The Bosnian Perspective,” which opened the central portion of the conference. Moderated by Reuf Bajrović, Komšić spoke about the complex legacy of the peace agreement—its advantages and limitations—and the need to modernize the constitutional framework so that the state can adequately respond to contemporary challenges. In his address, he emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring equality of citizens, and preserving the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A special panel discussion titled “Diplomacy and the Future of Bosnia and Herzegovina” featured Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to the United States, Sven Alkalaj, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, Zlatko Lagumdžija. They discussed the role of international diplomacy in stabilizing the region, the future directions of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign policy, and the need for stronger engagement within the UN and NATO partnerships. The ambassadors particularly focused on strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s position on the international stage through active and strategic diplomacy, as well as the importance of aligning with European and transatlantic values.

The conference concluded with the message that the experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a valuable lesson in peacebuilding—one that continues, even three decades later, to offer important insights to a world increasingly confronted with new security challenges.

AMBASSADOR ALKALAJ HAD A WORKING MEETING WITH MARSHALL LEGACY INSTITUTE REPRESENTATIVES IN WASHINGTON, D.C., PRESENTED AWARD TO A RECIPIENT FROM BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA


On October 28, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, Sven Alkalaj had a meeting with the Executive Director of the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI), Ms. Elise Becker, along with her team at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington, D.C. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in the field of assistance to landmine survivors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with particular emphasis on continuing projects related to education, rehabilitation, and social inclusion, as well as partnership with the Mine Detection Dog Training Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The MLI representatives expressed their gratitude to Bosnia and Herzegovina for years of successful collaboration and presented plans for future activities, including the urgent need to identify new donors to ensure continued support for landmine survivors in the country.

On this occasion, Ambassador Alkalaj was invited to attend the MLI Gala Dinner in the evening as a guest and to present the “Survivor of the Year 2025” award, dedicated to landmine survivors from around the world.

In his remarks at the award ceremony, Ambassador Alkalaj emphasized:

“This year, we mark the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which brought an end to the brutal war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mirzet and thousands of other landmine survivors in our country remind us of the long-term consequences of war that continue to affect innocent civilians today. He is a proof that courage, perseverance, and the strength of the human spirit can overcome even the most difficult challenges — and that those who have endured severe injuries can go on to live extraordinary, active, and successful lives.”

The Ambassador further emphasized the importance of continued international support for Bosnia and Herzegovina in completing the final stages of humanitarian demining, as well as the ongoing assistance to individuals like Mirzet, whose lives have been permanently affected by landmines.

During the event, Ambassador Alkalaj presented the award to this year’s recipient from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Mirzet Duran. In his emotional remarks, Mirzet shared that he lost his foot at the age of six after stepping on a landmine in 1993. Despite this devastating loss, he has become a successful athlete, professional, and dedicated advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities — an inspiration and motivation to many. As a member of the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he has proudly represented his country, winning European, World, and Paralympic titles. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and teammates from the national team and his club OKI Fantomi and extended special thanks to the Marshall Legacy Institute for the award and for its noble mission to make the world a safer place.

Events like this represent an important contribution to the international promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina and reaffirm our commitment to:

The Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington, D.C. will continue its active engagement in these important and humanitarian efforts together with our partners.


VISIT OF THE BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA'S DELEGATION


The delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by the Minister of Communications and Transport of BiH, Edin Forto, in his capacity as the Alternate Governor of BiH to the World Bank, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Jasmina Selimović, is visiting Washington, D.C., to attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), taking place from October 13 to 18, 2025.

The delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina visited the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington, D.C., where a meeting was held with Ambassador Sven Alkalaj and the Embassy staff. During the meeting, discussions focused on the participation of the BiH delegation in the upcoming meetings with representatives of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as strengthening cooperation between BiH institutions and the country’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad. Special emphasis was placed on joint efforts to promote Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economic potential, improve the country’s investment image, and support strategic reforms.

In addition to participating in the Annual Meetings of the IMF and WB, the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will hold bilateral meetings with senior officials of the U.S. Department of State, IMF, WB, economic development corporations, and financial institutions, with the aim of strengthening institutional cooperation and supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s reform and project priorities.


RECEPTION OF THE AMERICAN BALKAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, September 22, 2025, New York


The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, Sven Alkalaj, attended the event of the American Balkan Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) entitled “Fostering Economic Collaboration Across Borders.”

On September 22, 2025, on the occasion of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, ABCC organized a distinguished reception in New York, which was attended by numerous officials, ambassadors, and business leaders from the United States and Southeast Europe. This was a unique opportunity to establish new prospects for trade, investment, and partnerships.

The President of North Macedonia, Mrs. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, in her remarks, emphasized the importance of ABCC’s mission and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening economic ties between the Balkan region and the United States.


VISIT OF THE BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA'S DELEGATION


The Delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, Zukan Helez, in his capacity as Governor of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the International Monetary Fund, and composed of: the Minister of Communications and Transport of BiH, Edin Forto, in his capacity as Alternate Governor of BiH at the World Bank; the Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Jasmina Selimović; the Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nermin Nikšić; the Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry of the Federation of BiH, Vedran Lakić; and the Minister of Refugees and Displaced Persons of the Federation of BiH, Nerin Dizdar, is visiting Washington, D.C. to attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), taking place from April 21 to 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

On April 22, 2025, the Delegation visited the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where a meeting was held with Ambassador Sven Alkalaj and the staff of the Embassy. In addition to participating in the IMF and WB Spring Meetings, the Delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will hold numerous bilateral meetings with senior officials of the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Defense, the IMF, the WB, economic development corporations, and financial institutions, with the aim of strengthening institutional cooperation and supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s reform and project priorities.


INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN BALKAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


The American Balkan Chamber of Commerce had its launch event in New York on March 27, 2025. The Bosnia and Herzegovina delegation, led by the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Washington, Sven Alkalaj, brought together successful business leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian diaspora in the United States.

At this important event, which aims to strengthen economic and trade cooperation of the entire Region with the United States of America, Ambassador Alkalaj gave a presentation on the panel on the topic 'Connecting Business: Strategies for Cross-Border Success'. Ambassador Alkalaj emphasized the importance of cooperation, innovation and adaptability in today's global economy. As a bridge between East and West, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with a rich cultural heritage, a skilled workforce and a dynamic business environment that offers significant opportunities for growth and cooperation, as well as valuable opportunities for investment, trade and partnership.

He emphasized that our industries, from energy and infrastructure to IT, agriculture and tourism, are increasingly integrated into global supply chains, and we are committed to strengthening our role as a reliable partner in international trade and investment. He thanked the organizers for the extraordinary initiative, which enabled the connection of business leaders from the countries of the Region as well as Turkey, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Argentina. He also thanked our business leaders who participate in such an important event, and expressed the hope that this cooperation will continue at the next meetings that the American Balkan Chamber of Commerce plans to organize in the near future. The Embassy in Washington will nominate representatives from BiH, and the BiH community in the USA, who will be an official part of the ABCC team.

The Embassy will in every way be a link to strengthen cooperation with the American Balkan Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the public and private sectors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the BiH community in the United States.


THE 33RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA


The Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington, D.C., has organized a reception on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on February 27, 2025.

The reception was attended by a large number of guests, including representatives of the U.S. Department of State, Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), the White House, the National Security Council, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, a high-level delegation from the U.S. state of Maryland, with which Bosnia and Herzegovina has a 22-year state partnership, and numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps, as well as the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora living throughout the United States.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Sven Alkalaj emphasized the significance of Independence Day in the recent history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the day when the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina voted for the future status of our country.

He thanked representatives of American institutions for their strong partnership and continued support on our path towards Euro-Atlantic integration, and for their genuine commitment to preserving the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This year's Independence Day reception will be remembered for the extraordinary decision of the Governor of the State of Maryland, declaring March 1st as Bosnian American Day. This proclamation was read and presented to Ambassador Alkalaj by the Deputy Secretary of State of Maryland, Mr. Michael Lore.

The proclamation emphasizes that March 1, 1992, was a historic milestone in Bosnia and Herzegovina's pursuit of democracy, self-determination, and freedom, and that the Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina State Partnership Program serves as a testament to our joint efforts in furthering democracy, human rights, peace, and prosperity for all citizens. The role of the Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Cooperation Council, which is dedicated to strengthening cooperation within the State Partnership, has been particularly emphasized.

The reception was organized with the support of sponsors from the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in the United States, to whom special thanks are extended for their initiative and contribution to this important celebration.

The celebration of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day once again confirmed the importance of maintaining and improving bilateral relations with the USA, as well as connecting with the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in this country.







VISIT SARAJEVO: WHERE CULTURES EMBRACE

Visit Sarajevo: Where Cultures Embrace", the official promotional video that won awards at the world's most prestigious tourism film festivals within the CIFFT network (International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals), and is in second place in the overall ranking of the best tourism promotional videos in the world for 2025 in the city/destination category.

The video presents the beauties and tourist offer of the Sarajevo Canton in a representative, authentic and extremely affirmative way.

You can watch the video at the following LINK: VISIT SARAJEVO: WHERE CULTURES EMBRACE