27.10.2017
The Balkans have the rare opportunity to receive their European perspective and it should not be missed. An accelerated, clear perspective is needed. This was said by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at a meeting with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdic.
The process of Euro-Atlantic integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the strengthening of the economic cooperation with Bulgaria were the main topics during Borissov’s official visit to Sarajevo, which is the first visit at the level of prime minister within the context of the bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Borissov pointed out that Europe cannot help Bosnia and Herzegovina in overcoming its internal contradictions and the country must find its own solutions for those. “We all on the Balkans have to understand that the past is history and we should not go back, there should not be unsolvable issues. The Western Balkans cannot go forward without Serbia, without Macedonia, but also without Bosnia and Herzegovina. We, as Balkans, must show that we are smart, hardworking, and that the fact that we have different religions is to our advantage. We must get to know each other better and solve our problems among ourselves. We must do our homework and be prepared. On 17 May the leaders of the EU will meet in Sofia namely to discuss the topic of the Western Balkans and this shows that the topic is important to us,” added Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.
The two leaders agreed on strengthening trade relations between Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Denis Zvizdic highlighted that he expects support from Borissov during the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2018. “For us this visit of representatives from the country that was the first to recognize us, is extremely important. You support all our efforts for European integration. We expect that during the Bulgarian Presidency Bosnia and Herzegovina will receive a mandate,” said the Chairman of the Council of Ministers.
He also underlined the fact that the economic cooperation between the two countries can be increased, whereby Prime Minister Borissov explained that the construction of all transport corridors in the region will stimulate the business and the tourist sectors.
Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina signed an agreement amending the Intergovernmental Agreement in the field of international transport of people and cargo. The document creates preconditions for development of trade and economic relations, of automobile transport of people and cargo through the territories of the two countries.
During his visit Prime Minister Boyko Borissov was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Ministers Dontchev and Karakachanov and Ministers Moskovski and Karanikolov.
