The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, stated today, after a meeting with the Minister in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Usam Zukorlić, that cooperation among the countries of the region is crucial for European and economic ambitions that should ensure a better life for citizens and keep them in their homes.
Konaković emphasized that international factors, as well as domestic actors, expect the countries of the Western Balkans to demonstrate their ability to cooperate, despite the challenges posed by the complex political situation.
“There are historical facts between BiH and Serbia that we will not agree on, but there are many that can bring good to the people of both countries,” Konaković emphasized, adding that Serbia is among the leading trade partners of BiH.
He recalled that regional cooperation has been one of the priorities since the beginning of his mandate, and that the first visits were directed to the capitals of neighboring countries.
“Today we also discussed the implementation of documents from the Berlin Process, which mean the mobility of people, goods and services, which is of great importance for our markets,” said Konaković.
He added that the meeting was of an institutional nature, but that they also touched on the status of Bosniaks, a topic they often discuss.
“Emotionally and personally, I had excellent cooperation with the late Mufti Zukorlić, which was the foundation of our relations and which contributed to today’s institutional cooperation,” said Konaković.
Finally, he said that the biggest problem in the region is the departure of young people, and that politicians must make brave and smart decisions in the interest of citizens.
“I hope that today’s and future meetings will bring good to the citizens of our region,” concluded Konaković.
Minister for Reconciliation, Regional Cooperation and Social Stability in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Usame Zukorlić, stated that the goal of the visit is to renew and strengthen relations between Belgrade and Sarajevo, and to improve regional cooperation as a prerequisite for stability and peace in the Balkans.
“We had many important topics to discuss, hot and difficult, which most politicians avoid, such as reconciliation, regional cooperation and social stability,” said Zukorlić.
He stressed that he was proud to be the first minister in the region to hold the title of person in charge of reconciliation, and that this policy was institutionalized thanks to the legacy of his father, academician Muamer Zukorlić.
“Personally, I am not satisfied with the bilateral cooperation between the two countries and I want us to initiate the arrival of higher authorities from Belgrade to Sarajevo and vice versa,” said Zukorlić, adding that this is a prerequisite for stability in the countries of the region.
He also highlighted the symbolic dimension of the visit, emphasizing that it is “normal for a Bosniak to come to a Bosniak”, just as it is normal for a Serb from BiH to visit Belgrade.
“Relations between BiH and Serbia are important, especially for the Bosniak people living in Sandžak, because they suffer the most when these relations are bad,” said Zukorlić.
Speaking about European integration, he highlighted the importance of the Berlin Process and other initiatives that bring countries closer together, and stressed that the policy of reconciliation he advocates is the opposite of the idea of ”peaceful disintegration”.
“I believe that this is impossible. Bosniaks and Serbs are destined to live together in all countries of the region. The sooner both peoples and political leaders understand this, the sooner we will have a more secure future,” concluded Zukorlić.
Photo: Lejla Celjo/BHRT
