President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday conveyed Cyprus’ “strong support” for the EU prospects of Bosnia-Herzegovina during a meeting in Sarajevo with Zeljka Cvijanovic, Chairperson of the Presidency of the Balkan country.

According to a statement by the government spokesman, the tete-a-tete was followed by an expanded meeting of the official delegations of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus and an official working luncheon in honour of Christodoulides.

The official state visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina is part of Christodoulides’ travel schedule ahead of the assumption by Cyprus of the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.

Meanwhile, Christodoulides posted on X that “the future of the Western Balkans lies within the EU. Ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, I am visiting Bosnia-Herzegovina, reaffirming our commitment to the country’s European prospects.”

The government spokesman added that the role of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU “can be pivotal for the adoption of the Negotiating Framework for Bosnia-Herzegovina and for the convening of an Intergovernmental Conference, provided that the country fulfills the prerequisites, implementing the 14 key priorities set by the European Commission and adopted by the European Council”.

During his visit, Christodoulides also expressed Cyprus’ readiness to provide expertise and support to Bosnia-Herzegovina so that it can make substantial progress in meeting the prerequisites, with the aim of initiating the country’s accession process during Cyprus’ EU presidency. 

The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations, focusing on strengthening cooperation in international forums, particularly in the Council of Europe and the United Nations.

After the working luncheon, Christodoulides departed for Albania, where he will participate in the European Political Community Summit, taking place on Friday in Tirana.