The Federal Government welcomes today’s appointment of Christian Schmidt as the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We congratulate Mr Schmidt on his new position and on the broad base of support which he found for his candidacy in the international community. The High Representative plays an extraordinarily important role in implementing necessary reforms and overcoming political differences in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Germany will continue to do everything in its power to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina receives the international attention needed. The outgoing High Representative, Valentin Inzko, who will hand over to Mr Schmidt on 1 August, has our heartfelt gratitude for his commitment and his services to the country.