President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with Chairman Milorad Dodik and Member Šefik Džaferović of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council at the Presidential Complex following their talks.

Expressing his pleasure over hosting members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council in Ankara, President Erdoğan, drawing attention to the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Balkans, said that the peace and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is important not only for the Balkans but also for entire Europe’s peace, stability, and security.

"We discussed opportunities that will boost the trade and economic activities between our countries"

Stating that they discussed opportunities that will boost the trade and economic activities between the two countries during the talks, President Erdoğan, pointing to the revised free trade agreement signed today between Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressed that the agreement will help the two countries reach the goal of 1 billion dollars in trade volume.

President Erdoğan noted: "Steps that can be taken in the areas of energy, defense industry, tourism, agriculture, and husbandry are at the top of our agenda. We will, especially, provide all the support we can in order for the TurkStream Project to reach Bosnia and Herzegovina."

“We endeavor to resolve every problem Bosnia and Herzegovina encounters as if it is our own problem"

Pointing out that they also discussed regional and international issues, President Erdoğan said they put a special emphasis on furthering the regional cooperation in the Balkans, and that they voiced their goal to hold the meetings of Turkey-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Serbia and Turkey-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Croatia trilateral mechanisms. Also stressing that they endeavor to resolve every problem Bosnia and Herzegovina encounters as if it is their own problem.

President Erdoğan added: "Therefore, on both bilateral and multilateral platforms, we will continue to provide all kinds of support to Bosnia and Herzegovina through all our institutions and organizations."

We need Turkey’s support with regard to NATO membership: Chairman Dodik

Chairman Dodik of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council, for his part, stated that they thoroughly discussed the relations between Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and thanked President Erdoğan for the support he gives to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Pointing out that the NATO membership is important for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Council Chairman Dodik stressed that they need Turkey’s support on this issue, as well.

Following the joint press conference, President Erdoğan met with Chairman Dodik and Member Džaferović of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council during an official dinner.

ILKHA