Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, Staša Košarac, today in Sarajevo hosted the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sherif Fathy. On this occasion, the ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism between the Government of Egypt and the Council of Ministers of BiH.
The memorandum is expected to serve as a solid foundation for strengthening and improving mutual cooperation in tourism, encouraging future investments in tourism infrastructure, and facilitating the exchange of professional expertise and experiences.
It was agreed to establish a joint working group for tourism, composed of representatives from relevant institutions in the sector.
Košarac informed Minister Fathy that tourism falls under the primary constitutional jurisdiction of the Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, while the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH holds a coordinating role. He highlighted tourism capacities across both entities, with special emphasis on winter, spa, and religious tourism, as well as the potential of BiH’s four national parks. He pointed out that the Republika Srpska invests heavily in winter tourism, citing Jahorina as a prime example of strategic development.
Minister Fathy noted his productive meeting yesterday on Jahorina with the Minister of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska, Denis Šulić.
Both ministers emphasized that relations between BiH and Egypt are friendly and free of open issues, but stressed the untapped potential for enhancing economic cooperation, particularly in tourism. They agreed that abolishing the visa regime and establishing direct flights between the two countries would significantly boost tourism exchanges.
The ministers also highlighted the importance of promoting tourism potential, agreeing that the upcoming EXPO 2027 in Belgrade will be an excellent platform for showcasing participating countries’ attractions.
Minister Košarac accepted Minister’s invitation to lead an official BiH delegation to Egypt in the near future, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH announced.
