Norwegian ambassadors to the countries of the wider Balkan region, as well as representatives of the Norwegian delegations to the EU and NATO and of the Western Balkan section of the ministry, gathered for the discussions. The meeting had a two-fold focus: the first day heard eminent speakers and discussion on key issues in the reform and Euro-Atlantic integration processes in which Bosnia and Herzegovina is engaged, while the second day was dedicated to internal discussions on Norwegian policy toward the region.
On Monday 10 September, the director the Western Balkans section, Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg chaired a discussion on challenges and effective support for Euro-Atlantic integration processes in the Western Balkans states. Foreign Minister Sven Alkalaj gave an in-depth analysis of Bosnian foreign policy challenges. Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Željko Komšić, shared a frank critique of international efforts in BiH. The meeting also heard presentations from the Research and Documentation Centre in Sarajevo, Nansen Dialog Centre in Sarajevo and OSCE advisor Morten Bergsmo (PRIO) on their concrete efforts to establish facts and improve criminal justice for international crimes, with the support of Norway.
The Bosnian film “Gori Vatra” was shown at the residence on Monday evening. Professor at the University of Tuzla and former BiH Ambassador to the UN, Mirza Kušljugić, introduced some themes of the film, in particular regarding difficult social and political relations in BiH and mixed experiences with the international community.
On Tuesday 11 September, the Norwegian participants discussed the situation in each country of the Western Balkans, as well as regional dimensions and priorities for reporting. Ann Kristin Johnsen from NORAD gave a lecture on results-based management of assistance.
It was agreed that the meeting was a success and that such regional meetings should continue because they provide an invaluable forum for the exchange of views and coordination. Next year’s Western Balkans meeting in the region is planned for September 2008 in Zagreb, Croatia.