The European Union and the United States reaffirm support for the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and call on all parties to resume dialogue and take steps on the country's EU integration path, EU High Representative Josep Borrell and US State Secretary Antony Blinken said in a joint statement on Wednesday, following their last week meeting in Washington.

The officials also expressed “serious concerns” over divisive rhetoric in the country and called for constructive dialogue.

“The European Union and the United States are united in their firm support for the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in their joint work to promote electoral and constitutional reform and maintain the functionality of its state institutions,” said the joint statement.

“We have serious concerns about increasingly divisive rhetoric in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call on all parties to respect and protect state institutions, resume constructive dialogue, and take steps to advance progress on the EU integration path – including on relevant reforms. The EU and the United States stand ready to facilitate these steps,” it added.

The officials also underlined the support for the EU enlargement process, adding that the EU accession is a priority for the whole region, which will help consolidate democratic institutions, protect fundamental rights, and advance the rule of law.

“This region belongs in the European Union,” the officials said.

They agreed during the meeting to further strengthen their joint engagement in the Western Balkans in support of the region’s progress on its European path.