Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) took over the chairmanship of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative from Albania yesterday at a ceremony in Tirana, which represents the European Union’s (EU) strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian region, where BiH is a full member.
At the ceremony, Deputy Foreign Minister Josip Brkic took over the chairmanship from Albanian Deputy Foreign Minister Megi Fino on behalf of BiH and noted that every regional initiative helps BiH on its path to the EU, especially the one that recognizes BiH as an Adriatic country, a Mediterranean country,a country with one identity that needs to be strengthened in the time ahead.
Further, he announced that the one-year presidency of BiH will be full of activities, but the focus is on youth, tourism, sustainable energy, and approaching the EU, so that universities, government institutions, chambers of commerce, and all segments of society will be involved in activities which will bring BiH, Southeast Europe, ie the Adriatic-Ionian region closer to the EU through a partnership with countries that are members of the EU, as well as those that are not yet.
Brkic assessed that BiH is absolutely ready to fulfill this task.
“This is not the first time that BiH has chaired the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative. In all previous presidencies, we have always fulfilled the task. It is very important that the whole of BiH feels the benefits of this presidency, so in Trebinje, Sarajevo, Mostar,and all cities who have that Adriatic-Mediterranean flair, activities start happening so that our fellow citizens know what we are chairing,” concluded Brkic, BHRT writes.
E.Dz.
