DIPLOMATIC–CONSULAR OFFICES AND MISSIONS

Sarajevo, November 19th, 2009

Press Release

Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Czech Republic Ivan Orlic Meets with Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer

On November 18th, 2009, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Jan Fischer organized a working lunch for ambassadors of the Western Balkans countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Croatia, and the Republic of Macedonia.

Prime Minister Fischer stated that the issue of enlarging the EU to include the countries of the Western Balkans remains a priority for the Czech Republic, emphasizing that the Czech President has signed the Lisbon Treaty and that this is a strong impulse in that matter. He pointed out that Stefan Fulle, the Czech candidate for European Commissioner, has the matter of EU enlargement in his portfolio regardless of the function he will serve as European Commissioner, that he understands the Balkans, and will be committed to this issue. Prime Minister Fischer expressed interest in economic cooperation in all fields, which is beneficial for the traditionally good relations between the Czech Republic and the Western Balkans countries. 

Ambassador Orlic thanked Prime Minister Fischer for inviting him to attend this working lunch and also expressed appreciation for Czech support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to the EU and NATO. He stressed that BiH sees its prosperous development in Euro-Atlantic integration and requested the support of the Czech Republic on the issue of visa liberalization for BiH citizens, pointing out the progress our country has made in fulfilling Road Map conditions. He emphasized that the issue of visa liberalization is not purely an administrative matter, but primarily a political one, and that it represents a source of great frustration for BiH citizens – which the Czech Republic, due to its own history, can fully understand. Prime Minister Fischer agreed that this „visa paradox“ must be resolved as soon as possible. He expressed his regret with regard to the dispute between CEZ and EP RS about project Gacko II. Both officials expressed the hope that the two partners will find a way to resolve the disagreement to their mutual benefit.

Ambassador Orlic invited Czech investors to invest in BiH in tourism, the metal industry, communications, and transport.

He also reiterated the invitation for a visit to BiH extended to Prime Minister Fischer by the BiH Council of Ministers Chairman. Prime Minister Fischer gladly accepted.