In a cordial meeting, member of the BIH Presidency Bakir Izetbegović and Al-Maliki observed the overall relations of the two countries, and discussed the opportunities and ways for progress. They expressed readiness for the development of cooperation in all areas, for the benefit of both countries, and noted that the people of Iraq and BiH are firmly bound to traditionally good relations. They said that the two friendly countries have to help one another in building prosperity for the future, especially since both countries have similar experience in a difficult past and face similar political and social challenges.
Emphasizing the strong interest of our country for economic cooperation with Iraq, Izetbegović asked Al-Maliki for support and help for the engagement of BIH companies in the realization of energy, infrastructure and construction projects in Iraq, keeping in mind that our companies enjoy a great reputation and have reliable partners in this country.
“Companies such as Energoinvest and Hidrogradnja have become world renown. They were the driving force of the BiH economy, and our employees have left a good impression on the people of Iraq. BiH people are tied to Iraq based on a period when our companies participated in the construction of the country. We wish to help now in the construction and reconstruction of Iraq, keeping in mind that our companies are again able to participate in projects in the area of energy and construction. The return of our companies to the Iraq market would be a chance for development and would mean a lot for the BiH economy’’, said Izetbegović.
The Iraqi Prime Minister said that companies from BiH are welcome in Iraq and that the door would be wide open for them. It was agreed that the Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry of the FBiH Erdal Trhulj and the Directors of Energoinvest, Hidrogradnja and Euro-Asfalt during Izetbegović’s visit would hold a series of meetings with the relevant ministers in Iraq, where they will consider concrete possibilities and modalities for direct engagement of these and other companies from our country in Iraq.
During the meeting they expressed mutual interest for cooperation in the areas of education, health and tourism. They spoke of the need to launch a process of mutual liberalization of the visa regime, because this would mean a rise in tourist visits, and facilitate the exchange of students. Prime Minister Al-Maliki expressed readiness to establish a residential Ambassador of Iraq in Sarajevo, and called for BiH to establish a residential Embassy in Baghdad.
Thanking the Prime Minister for the welcome, and for the expressed readiness to lend our country support and assistance, Izetbegović invited the Prime Minister to visit Iraq, which he accepted.
Izetbegović also met with the Vice-President of Iraq on the first day of his visit, Dr. Khudair Al-Khuzai, who currently serves as President. Izetbegović is expected to hold meetings with other high officials and political leaders in Iraq.
