Since the time of Yugoslavia, which had good relations with Arab countries, mostly because of the Non-Aligned Movement, B&H continued the tradition of cooperation and mutual support with the countries of the Middle East. However, the question is, how much possibilities were used for further improvement of relations between B&H and the Middle East?
This particularly applies to the commercial – economic cooperation and symbolic capital that B&H had in Gulf countries. B&H did not managed to properly use the position and somehow privileged positions it has had in cooperation with the Arab countries, and if we want concrete changes, we need a strategy.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, B&H, which had significant symbolic capital in those countries, not only that we had not used it, but we even, with some reckless actions of our foreign policy and inconsistent feed into local political and ideological conflicts, have cooled down our relations with this key political actors. Therefore, we have lost a number of investments and traditional friends as well,” said Jusic.
However, a number of activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the announcement of establishing partnerships with a number of countries are an opportunity that B&H must use. Firstly, at the end of January, the official visit of the emir of Qatar to B&H, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad et-Thani has been announced, as well as an official visit of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman and perhaps the king Salman himself, to our country.
Moreover, the possibility of the visit of the emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber es-Sabah has been announced as well. These are concrete steps that B&H authorities and businessmen should use in order to improve relations with the Arab countries, and the establishment of economic cooperation.
“Relationship of B&H with the countries of the Middle East must be based on the principle of statesmanship relationships, self-respect and non-interference in the local conflicts, not only in the relations of Iran – Saudi Arabia, but in many other cases that are much more complex, which are not so familiar to us. We need to build our relations based on business relations and the economy, and put the common interest to the forefront. In my opinion, this is a unique opportunity for which we need to seriously prepare,” said Jusic.
(Source: S. H./klix.ba)
