The Minister of European and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Michael Linhart, explained yesterday in Sarajevo that this country unconditionally supports Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on the path of integration into the European Union (EU) and that he considers the unity and sovereignty of BiH a precondition for security and stability of the entire region.
Yesterday, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Bisera Turkovic hostedAustrian Foreign Minister Linhart, who arrived in Sarajevo on Thursday, which is his first official visit since he was appointed to that function earlier this week.
“We have decided that my first visit will be to this region and BiH since BiH is in my heart. After the appointment, the question of the first trip abroad was raised and this region was immediately mentioned because of its importance, and within the region, BiH is a country that is close to my heart, and that is how the decision was made. For me, this visit is also a sign of our conviction that without the membership of the Western Balkans and BiH, the EU, ie the EU project, is not finished. This is also a sign that security and stability in this region are very important for us and the entire EU, ” Linhart noted.
“Austria sees the integrity and sovereignty of BiH as an indispensable precondition for the security and stability of the entire region. For us, this issue is out of the discussion. It is completely clear to us that the future of BiH is in Europe, and we as Europe must lend a hand to BiH and this region. We, Austria, should be partners of those forces that are connectedand to support what leads the country forward,” Linhart said.
Emphasizing that Austria unreservedly supports the integration of BiH, Linhart expressed his belief that unity in the project of joining the EU is a connecting element for BiH and the region.
BiH is ready for regional cooperation and normalization of relations, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Bisera Turkovic told in Sarajevo on Friday.
Also, Turkovic added that the current political situation in BiH, the situation in the Western Balkans region, and European integration were discussed at the meeting.
E.Dz.
Source: Federalna
