The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, spoke during a working dinner with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yōko Kamikawa, who is on a two-day visit to our country.
On that occasion, satisfaction with the very good bilateral relations between BiH and Japan, which are both friendly and without open questions, was emphasized.
Konaković expressed his gratitude for the support and help that Japan has been providing to Bosnia and Herzegovina all these years, especially when it comes to the reform process and the European path of our country.
Speaking about the current political situation in the country and BiH’s path to the EU, the minister pointed out that the focus of our country, after the decision of the European Council on the opening of accession negotiations, remains focused on further implementation of key priorities and fulfillment of conditions on the way to full membership in the EU. He emphasized the importance of European integration in the field of economy and investments and added that Bosnia and Herzegovina has significant potential in many sectors of the economy, especially in tourism.
Konaković expressed special gratitude for Japan’s support for the adoption of the Resolution on the Srebrenica genocide in the United Nations General Assembly.
Minister Kamikawa emphasized that Japan supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the implementation of reforms on BiH’s path to the EU. She assessed regional cooperation as important, and announced the continuation of Japanese support within the “Cooperation Initiative in the Western Balkans”.
She said that the international order based on the rule of law is very important, and that Japan continues to promote peace and security through projects and development programs. She also referred to efforts to improve the business environment between the two countries, with an emphasis on the support project for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The interlocutors concluded that there is a mutual interest and need for further improvement of all forms of cooperation, with a special emphasis on strengthening economic relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan.
They also discussed visa liberalization, multilateral cooperation, geopolitical challenges due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the Expo 2025 World Exhibition, which will be held in Japan next year, BHRT writes.
