PRESS CONFERENCE

Sarajevo, March 26, 2007

Press Release

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sven Alkalaj and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovakia Jan Kubiš held a press conference on March 26, 2007, after the official return visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovakia to Sarajevo.

Minister Alkalaj expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful meeting held between the Ministries of two States whose political relations are at a high level and informed that the Ministries agreed the official visit of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Slovakia. Minister Alkalaj informed Minister Kubiš about successfully completed defense reform, efforts put in police reform and confirmed BiH orientation to NATO and EU

Since Slovakia is not a permanent member to the Security Council OUN, Minister Alkalaj informed Minister Kubiš about the issue of decertified police officers and asked for Slovakia support in resolving the problem which BiH police officers are facing professionally and which jeopardizes their human rights. Minister Alkalaj stressed out that BiH is expecting a support from Slovakia in selection of Sarajevo for the seat of the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat within the SEE Stability Pact.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovakia Jan Kubiš highlighted that Slovakia is fully supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards EU and NATO. Minister Kubiš expressed his satisfaction with Bosnia and Herzegovina determination on its path to Euro-Atlantic integrations pursuant to Thessaloniki Agenda from 2003 and said that reaching of agreement regarding the reforms was a very good sign of significant democratic improvement in BH.

Minister Kubiš highlighted that political relations of two countries are very satisfactory. Slovakia would like to offer comprehensive professional help within annual meetings of foreign affairs ministers.

Ministers Alkalaj and Kubiš agreed that economy cooperation, which is at the level of a very good political relations between two states, should be improved.