At the ceremony of presenting the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarah Eta Castellani to the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, Denis Bećirović, it was noted that the bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Italy are good and very friendly, but that there is room for their improvement in all areas.
He recalled the successful official visit to the Republic of Italy in July this year and a very meaningful conversation with the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.
Chairman informed the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy Castellani about the activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, emphasizing that the foreign policy priority is membership in NATO and the European Union. He added that, for the stability of the region, it is very important that Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes a full member of NATO as soon as possible.
He thanked the Republic of Italy for its sincere support on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path and support for the opening of negotiations, and expressed expectations for additional support in the steps that follow towards the ultimate goal – full membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EU. He pointed out that enormous results have been achieved on the path to the EU in the last two years.
Ambassador Castellani said that Italy will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path of stabilization and reconciliation, and in the process of accession to the European Union, because no integration can be considered complete without Bosnia and Herzegovina joining the European family.
The Chairman of the Presidency of BiH stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a great interest in further strengthening economic relations with the Republic of Italy, adding that Italy is one of the most important trading partners and among the most significant foreign investors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is largely contributed by the geographical proximity of the two countries and the advantages in terms of energy and transport costs for investors, which should be further exploited.
Bećirović expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation with the current Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marco Di Ruzzo, with the expectation that the same cooperation will be continued with Ambassador Sarah Eti Castellani.
