Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Working Visit to Slovenia

Brdo pri Kranju, 28.2.2011  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, has received the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nebojša Radmanović, and members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, Željko Komšić and Bakir Izetbegović, on their working visit to Slovenia. Plenary talks between Dr Türk and Mr Radmanović were followed by a working lunch and a meeting between President Türk and the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The talks, which were also attended by Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Žbogar, and the Prime Minister's Special Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milan Kučan, focused mainly on the work of Bosnia and Herzegovina in forging closer ties with the European Union and NATO. The afternoon session was centred on bilateral political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

In his statement to the press, President Türk stressed that the talks, held in an informal and friendly atmosphere, have confirmed the excellent political understanding and exceptionally high level of mutual trust between Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. President Türk expressed his concern and dissatisfaction over the lack of energy in moves for further enlargement of the European Union to the successor states of former Yugoslavia, and expressed his hope for a positive change.

President Türk drew attention to the important discussions on Bosnia and Herzegovina that are planned for March at the meeting of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, and which should also held at the meeting of the European Council. He also emphasised that the European Union, despite devoting its major attention to the crisis in the North Africa, should also direct some of its energy and attention to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In his view, further enlargement, and in particular help to Bosnia and Herzegovina in its efforts to join the EU, should remain a priority for the Union.

President Türk believes that the process of furthering access to the EU is an important instrument for strengthening the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He called attention to the positive effects that visa liberalisation has exerted on strengthening interest in EU membership, as well as on political relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Further progress is not self-evident, and therefore we must strive for it, he said, and he also welcomed the work of certain EU Member States, and in particular the work of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in this regard.

Presidency Chairman Radmanović confirmed that Bosnia and Herzegovina does intend to apply for EU membership; however, this process is rather slow, which is attributable to shortcomings within Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to the European Union itself. In his view, the talks with President Türk and other high-level representatives of Slovenia are very important, as Slovenia is a friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union, which has a better understanding of the situation in the Western Balkans than others. He also agreed with the strategic assessment of the Slovenian representatives, who believe that EU enlargement is indispensable.

Presidency Chairman Radmanović thanked Slovenia for its support within the European Union, particularly the whole Slovenian Government and the Slovenian representative in the European Parliament for their work in ensuring visa liberalisation. He added that the efforts of Bosnia and Herzegovina also played part in this success, which proves that the country is ready to implement the necessary reforms. He expressed his expectation that Slovenia, with its profound knowledge of the situation, will be able to act as an ambassador within the EU of Bosnia and Herzegovina and other Western Balkan countries.

On bilateral relations, alongside the mentioned excellent understanding and mutual trust, President Türk stressed the importance of constant improvement in trade between the two countries. In 2010, trade in goods increased by 16% compared with the previous year. Of this, Slovenian exports to Bosnia and Herzegovina increased by 5% and imports by 40%. President Türk viewed this balance in trade very favourably.

President Türk and his guests also discussed the situation of workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Slovenia, who have been particularly affected by the crisis in the construction industry. President Türk recalled the Slovenian Government’s decision, made at his initiative, to provide financial assistance to solve the most pressing humanitarian issues associated with the position of migrant workers in Slovenia. He also called for an agreement between Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the social sector to permanently solve these issues, and expressed his expectation that the agreement would be ratified by the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina within one week.

Presidency Chairman Radmanović thanked President Türk for his direct involvement and work to improve the situation of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina working in Slovenia. He gave assurances that the social agreement will be ratified immediately after the formation of a new parliament in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He called for additional improvements in economic cooperation and added that Bosnia and Herzegovina looks forward to further Slovenian investments, which currently represent 11% of all investments in the country. Slovenian entrepreneurs have been particularly invited in investing in the energy sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina.