BRDO-BRIJUNI Bećirović: A Prosperous Future for the Region is Not in an Arms Race!

(Patria) - Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović, in his address at the meeting of leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni Process countries, noted that this forum is an important platform for strengthening regional cooperation and promoting European values.

"Unfortunately, five days ago, Bosnia and Herzegovina was hit by a catastrophic natural disaster. Devastating floods and landslides affected several cities and towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We lost what is most valuable – human lives.

The homes of many of our fellow citizens were destroyed, and the overall material damage is enormous.

Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, from all parts of our country, have once again shown great hearts and expressed enormous solidarity. I want to thank everyone who has sent us words of support, expressed solidarity, and provided concrete help in recent days.

Thank you to everyone in the region, Europe, and the world who has expressed readiness to help. In these difficult times, a swift reaction and international support are of immense importance to us. The tragic floods and landslides in Bosnia and Herzegovina show that it is very important for all of us to pay much greater attention to the prevention and reduction of risks from natural disasters," said Bećirović.

He then stated that the foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards neighboring and other countries is based, above all, on respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as on equality in interstate relations.

"By actively participating in regional initiatives, Bosnia and Herzegovina positions itself as a proactive and constructive partner. In this context, we will continue to actively support regional cooperation, including the Brdo-Brijuni Process initiative. All member states of the Brdo-Brijuni Process are members or wish to become members of the European Union (EU).

This, among other things, means that we learn from the EU's experience, as well as build interstate relations according to the best practices of EU member states. The key European countries that built the foundations of the EU decided to abandon Greater-state projects and cooperate on the basis of mutual respect and recognition.

This is the fundamental commitment that has enabled peace and progress in Europe. This is the key message, and all Western Balkan countries must finally understand this message. The Western Balkan countries are at a crossroads and have two options.

The first option is to establish interstate relations modeled after EU countries. It means peace, security, and development in the common interest. The second option is to adopt the Russian model of relations with neighbors. That is a path to great misfortune and tragedy. Let us learn lessons from the past, especially from the tragic 1990s, and turn to the future.

Let us open space for projects that bring economic and all other progress. Let us utilize the EU's readiness to support regional connectivity projects through various funds and initiatives.

Let us take responsibility for their implementation. Intensifying the Berlin Process and implementing the initiated agreements and arrangements is a benefit for all countries in the region. We need to make a joint contribution to the accelerated implementation of all four agreements from the Berlin Process. Mobility agreements are of great importance for the integration of the Western Balkans into a single European market. It is time to stop the obstruction of the ratification of the Agreement on Free Movement with Identity Cards in the Western Balkans.

The only remaining visa regime in the region is between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The ratification of this important agreement would facilitate the implementation of other agreements from the Berlin Process.

The EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans has special significance for the overall development of the region. The Growth Plan is not only an economic stimulus but also an important political message – the EU supports us and recognizes the Western Balkans as an integral part of its future.

One of the key prerequisites for the economic development and integration of the region is the improvement of connectivity – infrastructural, digital, and energy.

Better connectivity within our region, as well as with the EU, is crucial for strengthening trade, investment, and mobility. It is our responsibility to ensure that the Western Balkans move forward – towards full integration into the EU and towards sustainable development that will benefit all our citizens," Bećirović emphasized, noting that a prosperous future for the region is not in an arms race.

"The countries of the region need more investment in economic development. Therefore, I propose that we stop the current arms race. Let us strengthen peace, security, and build good neighborly relations. Such a proposal is in line with the sub-regional arms control agreement.

Instead of an arms race in the region, I propose that we focus on faster economic development. All countries in the region would benefit greatly from this, and the possibility of conflict would be significantly reduced," he added.