SARAJEVO, February 27 (FENA) – The Network of Women Diplomats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the presence of more than 60 women diplomats, was inaugurated yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In his welcoming address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Elmedin Konaković, supported this event and announced the appointment of a coordinator for this area in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH.

The head of the Department for Equality in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain and former ambassador to Jordan Aránzazu Bañón Davalos spoke about the promotion of women in diplomacy.

Ambassador Bañón explained that her role is to ensure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain implements the Government’s gender equality strategy.

She added that special attention is paid to the affirmation of the diplomatic profession in order to get more women interested in a diplomatic career, to advocate for the appointment as women ambassadors and the appointment of women to high positions in public administration, and to work on building a better balance between business and private life.

The Head of the Section for European Integration, Political and Economic Affairs of the Delegation of the European Union and the Office of the Special Representative of the European Union (EUSR), Aurelie Valtat, and the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Croatia, Elma Kovačević-Bajtal, emphasized in their addresses the importance of networking among women diplomats, all with the aim of mutual support, promotion of mentorship and diplomatic profession among women.

The meeting also announced the organization of a panel discussion on the topic “How can women contribute to foreign policy and diplomacy?”, which will be held at the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Sarajevo.

By establishing this network, called WEDIN BH, Bosnia and Herzegovina joins numerous European countries that have established women’s diplomatic networks, stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.