The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto, opening the press conference after the meeting with the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, thanked Plenković for everything that Plenković and the Government of the Republic of Croatia are doing for BiH on its Euro-Atlantic path.
Their support is immeasurable, the chairwoman of the Council of Ministers pointed out, from the very application for membership to obtaining the status.
“I am convinced that they will continue to provide all kinds of help on the European path that awaits us. In addition to supporting BiH and EU integration, I want to thank Croatia for all the support in all projects and in all areas in which they help us. Good friendships testify to our relations meetings, and this is evidenced by the recently held session of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, where we made a lot of good decisions regarding relations and the construction of infrastructural projects, and they need to resolve through mutual dialogue,” she stated.
Kristo pointed out that she informed Plenković about what the Council of Ministers is doing on its European journey. A total of 39 sessions of the Council of Ministers have been held so far, she pointed out that an important step forward has been made in the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the economy and EU integration.
She also noted that BiH aligns its foreign policy with EU policy and the principles and values on which the EU is based.
“A huge step must be taken when it comes to reforming the electoral legislation and changing the Electoral Act, the decision of the Constitutional Court on legitimate representation, as well as the decision of the European Court of Human Rights, must be applied,” Kristo pointed out.
This is what BiH needs to build peace and stability and the European future, she noted.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said that the Government of the Republic of Croatia is helping small projects in Kiseljak and Fojnica. He congratulated Borjana Krišto and the coalition on the visible step forward in the country’s functionality over the past year.
“I personally see the difference in progress, it is a great joy and pleasure for us to see the stability of BiH in this way, with which the country is strengthening its path. Our economic relations are progressing, we have reached 2 billion euros in economic exchange, this shows mutual familiarity and stronger ties two countries,” Plenković said.
The most important message of his arrival, says the Prime Minister, is a message to the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As he says, the EU enlargement process is in a unique phase, which is now accelerated due to the war between Ukraine and Russia.
“In such a context, BiH’s efforts after last year’s acquisition of candidates for membership should be a kind of guide for the European path. I want to encourage you today to make efforts at this time and pass laws that have been known as goals for almost a year. If this happens, everyone it will be much easier for us to advocate for the adoption of positive decisions about Bosnia and Herzegovina than if some of those laws are not adopted,” said Plenković.
He noted that the moment for the EU is now. Next year, as he says, we cannot expect the same focus from the EU.
He also pointed out that he would like to encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to cooperate in combating illegal migration. The real solution is to solve the problem at its source, says the Prime Minister. Illegal migration takes place on a particularly good route for smugglers, he said, which has become a lucrative business.
“Croatia wants even stronger police cooperation with BiH, better cooperation in the field of readmission, the conclusion of an agreement between BiH and Frontex, and I also appeal for the harmonization of the policy of the visa regime towards third countries when it comes to BiH with what exists in the EU,” said Plenković.
He also mentioned the disposal of nuclear waste and the issue of Circassians.
“Since our last meeting, we held a meeting with Slovenia and we agreed that the existing system will remain in force until after 228, which in some way relaxed the issue between BiH and Croatia, this issue will continue with all actors, that issue is always in the interest of the public,” said the Prime Minister.
He noted that Croatia is ready to help Bosnia and Herzegovina with the construction of the Southern Interconnection, BHRT reports.
Photo: Fena
