PRESS CONFERENCE

Sarajevo, September 1st, 2009.

Press Release

Press Conference Held by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sven Alkalaj and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Miroslav Lajcak

Following their meeting on September 1st, 2009, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sven Alkalaj and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Miroslav Lajcak  held a press conferencein the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of B&H

“We discussed our strategic goals and agreed upon forms of cooperation using Slovakia’s experience on our path to NATO and EU”, Minister Alkalaj stated and added that they also spoke about visa liberalization. He emphasized that, during the meeting, they suggested concluding certain bilateral agreements between B&H and Slovakia which should facilitate the influx of investments and ensure greater trade exchange.

Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs Lajcak stated that during today’s meeting it was reaffirmed that B&H is a friendly country for Slovakia and that “Slovakia will be an advocate of B&H’s Euro-Atlantic efforts in a positive sense”. He also recalled his promise that he will endeavor to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia (an EU and NATO member).

“I assure you that I am fulfilling my promise and I endeavor to assist B&H. But, it goes without saying that B&H should do its part of the job”, Minister Lajcak stated and expressed satisfaction at being in Sarajevo again. He also expressed regret that B&H was not placed on the so-called White Schengen List and said that he wishes this to happen as soon as possible.

 “I can not with a clear conscience say that B&H has made progress. We basically have the same situation where everything goes round in a circle, being repeated over and over. There are some positive steps from time to time, but then things become as they were before”, Minister Lajcak stated. “I do not see any progress. What I do see is the negative effect of the economic crisis which sharpens economic and social issues even more. It is more than necessary to make step forward in a good direction for B&H”, Minister Lajcak concluded.