Ensuring the security and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is crucial for the Western Balkans region and its European perspective, Rumen Radev stresses in Sarajevo
The excellent political dialogue between Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina should stimulate bilateral trade and economic exchanges. President Rumen Radev and Bosnia and Herzegovina's Chairman of the Presidency Denis Becirovic agreed on this position at a joint press conference in Sarajevo today. The two were unanimous that the trust in bilateral relations has a solid foundation since our country was the first to recognise Bosnia and Herzegovina's independence in 1992.
The Bulgarian Head of State is on a two-day official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which started today with a solemn ceremony in front of the Presidency building in Sarajevo. Rumen Radev was welcomed by Denis Becirovic, after which the Bulgarian President held a meeting with two of the three members of the Presidency - the presiding officer Denis Becirovic and the Serbian representative Zeljka Cvijanovic. After the meeting, Radev and Becirovic chaired plenary talks between the delegations of the two countries.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's European perspective, common security challenges, regional connectivity and opportunities for deepening economic cooperation in the fields of energy, infrastructure and information technology were the focus of the talks.
Radev highlighted connectivity as a key factor for the development of relations between the countries in the region and underlined the opportunities that Bosnia and Herzegovina offers in the field of transition to a green economy and the development of renewable energy sources - an area in which Bulgaria also has significant experience.
Bulgarian industry in various fields is interested in expanding its production capacity and is looking for new potential partners, President Radev further stressed. There was a common position that the institutions in the two countries should continue to promote contacts between businesses and in the tourism sector to raise awareness for the implementation of joint projects and attract investments.
Our economic relations have been developing for years, but there is a great untapped potential in the exchange between our countries, Radev said. Therefore, in the President's words, signing an agreement on mutual protection of investments would be of mutual interest and would create the necessary preconditions for deepening bilateral economic cooperation. The increase in economic exchange, tourism and reciprocal investments also creates prospects for the young people of the region, which is extremely important given the waning demographics in Southeastern Europe, it was further noted during the plenary talks.
Ensuring the security and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is of key importance for the Western Balkans region and its European perspective, Radev added. The President said that Bulgaria remains firmly committed to the EUFOR ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and during today's meeting, the sides discussed the possibilities of deepening bilateral cooperation in the security and defence sector through exchanges between the military schools and academies of the two countries. The Bulgarian President welcomed the constructive relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO and the steps the country is taking to strengthen its defence capabilities.
The endeavour of the political leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path of European integration is beneficial not only for its citizens, but also for the region and the European Union itself, Rumen Radev pointed out. The President added that in the worsened security environment in Europe's neighbouring regions, the EU is much more committed to the integration of the Western Balkans and to the enlargement policy as an important instrument for consolidating the European space. Rumen Radev was adamant, however, that the principle of own merits and the need for reforms remain a key factor for Bulgaria's support in the EU enlargement process.
President Radev said further that his visit comes at a difficult time for Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the recent devastating floods in the country. The Head of State expressed his condolences to the families and relatives of the victims and assured that along with the assistance provided to deal with the immediate damage, Bulgaria will continue to provide active support, including within the framework of the EU's common policy, for the reconstruction of the flood-affected areas.