Italian Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani will be in Sarajevo today on a joint visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina together with Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg.
The European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the possible opening of accession negotiations with the EU, with the full support of Italy and Austria, will be the central theme of the visit, exactly one year after the previous joint mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina of the two ministers.
It will be a confirmation of the great attention that Rome and Vienna pay to the Western Balkans.
“The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have waited too long; they deserve a prosperous future in the EU,” said Schallenberg.
Before the trip, Tajani said: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is ready for this historic goal, and Rome will provide Sarajevo with all possible support and technical assistance in reform efforts.”
Tajani and Schallenberg will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković, the BiH Presidency, the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišta, the head of the EU delegation Johann Sattler and the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt.
“The growth and stability of the Western Balkans are Italy’s priorities, in light of the deep ties that bind us to this region. For this reason, as the Government of Italy, we are strongly committed to speeding up the process of European integration,” said Tajani.
The Italian minister will meet with the representative of the Italian contingent of the EUFOR Althea mission, in which Italy holds the position of deputy commander. And this will be a clear message that Rome’s goal is a stable Balkans for a secure Europe.
The Italian media write that Tajani will then inaugurate the “Economic Dialogue Bosnia and Herzegovina – Italy”, with the participation of Bosnian-Italian companies.
“Economic ties with the Balkans are at the center of our growth diplomacy strategy. We want to additionally initiate investments and trade with Sarajevo, whose second commercial partner on a global level and the first supplier country, and ensure that our companies are more and more present,” commented Tajani. Bit will sign an agreement that aims to promote cooperation between economic entities of the two countries, exploring the possibility of joint access to the markets of third countries.
As a reminder, Bosnia and Herzegovina will receive an answer from Brussels at the meeting of the European Council on March 21 and 22 whether it is finally opening negotiations for membership in the European Union, Klix.ba writes.
E.Dz.
