AUDIENCE WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Vatican City, 22 November 2013 (VIS) – This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father Francis received in audience Vjekoslav Bevanda, prime minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who subsequently went on to meet with Archbishop Pietro Parolin, secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

The colloquial discussions provided the opportunity for an exchange of opinions on the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the country’s main current objectives, on the efforts made to promote an increasingly open society respecting the rights of all citizens, and on the challenges that need to be faced as a result of the current economic crisis.

Satisfaction was expressed regarding the good existing bilateral relations, of which the Basic Agreement of 2006 is an important expression, promoting collaboration between Church and State for the common good and the development of the country. During the conversation, mention was also made of various issues linked to the application of the aforementioned Agreement, as well as the contribution of Catholics in society.