A Conversation with H.E. Mr. Almir Šahović, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Diplomat Magazine had the pleasure of meeting H.E. Mr. Almir Šahović, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, for an insightful discussion on the evolving relations between his country and the Netherlands. The Ambassador shared thoughtful reflections on diplomacy, economic cooperation, cultural ties, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European aspirations.
Speaking about the current state of relations between the two nations, Ambassador Šahović said:
“The relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands are very good and friendly. We enjoy strong political and economic ties, and the Netherlands is the seventh most important foreign investor in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are pleased to see a growing number of Dutch companies interested in working with Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Bosnian companies starting to invest in the Netherlands.”
“Another important link between our two countries is the Bosnian and Herzegovinian diaspora. Around 60,000 people from Bosnia and Herzegovina live in the Netherlands. They serve as a true bridge between our nations — real ambassadors of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Netherlands, and of the Netherlands in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
When asked about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress toward European integration, Ambassador Šahović reaffirmed that EU membership remains the country’s highest foreign policy goal.
“EU accession is the highest priority of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign policy. In this context, we highly appreciate the Netherlands’ support for our European path. We are aware that the traditional Dutch approach to EU enlargement is summarized by the principle ‘strict but fair,’ and that the Netherlands sometimes places greater emphasis on the full implementation of conditions required from candidate countries than some other EU partners.
All the more, we are pleased that the Netherlands has recognized Bosnia and Herzegovina’s strong commitment to its European future. Over the past four years, we succeeded in securing Dutch support for the EU’s decision to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status, as well as for the opening of accession negotiations with our country.”
On the topic of EU-level initiatives such as border security and institutional capacity building, the Ambassador stressed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s alignment with Dutch and EU efforts:
“We strongly support the Netherlands’ participation in EU-level initiatives such as border security cooperation and institutional capacity building. These initiatives are crucial not only for EU member states but also for candidate countries, as they help strengthen overall regional stability and preparedness for eventual EU membership.”
Looking toward the future, Ambassador Šahović noted several promising areas for bilateral cooperation, highlighting culture as a growing field of exchange:
“In general, I believe there is still much potential to further intensify cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands — not only in politics and the economy, but also in the field of culture. A good example of this was the exhibition of the artwork Bird of Peace by the renowned Bosnian artist Mirza Morić, which was displayed in front of The Hague City Hall last summer. It demonstrated the great potential for cultural collaboration between our two countries.”
When discussing people-to-people connections, Ambassador Šahović underlined their importance for lasting understanding:
“People-to-people connections are essential for building understanding and practical cooperation between our two countries. As Ambassador, I strive to encourage such activities by visiting various Dutch cities and institutions. We have established particularly strong cooperation between Sarajevo and The Hague, especially involving young people.
I have also visited Maastricht, Arnhem, Nijmegen, and Groningen to promote local-level cooperation. In addition, I regularly give lectures on Bosnia and Herzegovina at different Dutch universities, helping to deepen academic and cultural ties between our nations.”
He also referred to the shared remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide as a deeply meaningful component of bilateral understanding:
“In close cooperation with the Association of Survivors of the Srebrenica Genocide, as well as with the City of The Hague and several other cities and universities — particularly Utrecht University — we regularly organize and participate in various activities aimed at preserving the memory of and honoring the victims of the Srebrenica Genocide.
The Srebrenica Genocide forms part of our shared Bosnia and Herzegovina–Dutch history and our common memory.”
Reflecting on his tenure of more than four years in the Netherlands, the Ambassador shared highlights of his diplomatic achievements:
“Having served for over four years as Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, I am proud of the results we have achieved.
Among other accomplishments, we successfully organized two official presidential visits from Bosnia and Herzegovina. As I mentioned earlier, we also secured Dutch support for the EU’s decision to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status and to open accession negotiations.
Furthermore, Bosnia and Herzegovina was, for the first time, elected as a member of the Bureau of the International Criminal Court.
I also had the honor of being elected Chairperson of the 29th Conference of the States Parties to the OPCW and was entrusted by the OPCW Member States to chair the Open-Ended Working Group on the implementation of rules governing the election of members of the Executive Council.”
Ambassador Šahović’s words reflect a vision of partnership built on dialogue, shared values, and human connection. The bridge between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands — strengthened by trade, culture, and the dynamic Bosnian community — continues to stand as an attribute of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.
