The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of BiH, Borjana Krišto, spoke in Sarajevo with the Ambassador of Japan to BiH, Masami Kinefuchi, about the improvement of bilateral cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of culture and science.
At the meeting, it was emphasized that bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan are good, friendly and without open questions. It was concluded that during the 27 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation has been constantly improving.
Krišto thanked the Government of Japan for its development assistance, which has been supporting the reform process in Bosnia and Herzegovina for many years through numerous programs. She also thanked for the intensive support that Japan provides to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to the EU. She pointed out that the focus of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains focused on the further implementation of key priorities and the fulfillment of the necessary conditions on the way to full membership in the EU.
She also said that Japan is one of the most important bilateral donors in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The priority areas of assistance relate to primary health care, education, water supply, agriculture, environmental protection, infrastructure, science and culture. The Government of Japan has directly participated in improving the living conditions of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the GAGP of the Embassy of Japan, since 1996. The total amount of approved grant funds so far amounts to more than 20,000,000 euros for 251 projects. In the atmosphere of the above, positive feelings towards the people and the Government of Japan are highly valued in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ambassador Kinefuchi said that Japan will continue its continuous support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in the field of investment in infrastructure and environmental protection projects.
At the meeting, it was concluded that there is a mutual interest and a need for further improvement of all forms of cooperation with a special emphasis on strengthening the economic relations of the two countries. It was pointed out that there is a huge potential for cooperation in the tourism, education, sports, culture, energy, information and communication technologies, wood, metal and textile industries.
Kristo emphasized the importance of the decision made by the Government of Japan in December 2022, which abolishes visas for holders of official and diplomatic passports. She also pointed to the importance of numerous investments and development projects that Japan is carrying out throughout BiH and expressed her support for the initiative of joining cities from BiH to the worldwide international network of cities “Mayors for Peace”.
At the end of the meeting, Kristo welcomed the Japanese initiative for cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans, which was launched by the former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and expressed her belief in a meeting soon with the special representative of Japan for the countries of the Western Balkans, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced.
