Members of the BiH Presidency with Minister Luigi Di Maio

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Members of the BiH Presidency welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Italy, Luigi Di Maio, and thanked him for coming to BiH on a bilateral visit, despite the conditions
caused by the coronavirus pandemic. They also expressed gratitude for Italy's continued interest in developing good and friendly relations with BiH, to which the dedicated engagement of Ambassador Nicola Minasi and the Italian Embassy in BiH, who was part of today's delegation, contributes.

The meeting participants exchanged information on political processes caused by the pandemic and on ways to combat the spread of COVID-19, as well as on problems in the vaccine procurement process. They discussed the need for EU support to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans in the fight against the pandemic, not only in responding to the humanitarian and health crisis, but also in mitigating socio-economic consequences.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy said that Italy advocates for EU enlargement to the Western Balkans and the continuation of the reform process and European integration of BiH. The importance of the continued support of the Republic of Italy within the EU in the next steps of Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the EU, and in the continued fulfillment of the 14 key priorities from the European Commission's Opinion, was emphasized.

During the meeting, bilateral relations and the contractual regulation of relations were discussed, which were described as good and friendly, and it was stated that the continuity of cooperation in their improvement should continue. It was said that BiH, as a maritime country, wants to make a constructive contribution to all processes concerning the protection of the Adriatic as a common good. The discussion indicated that there is room for intensifying cooperation in economy, culture, education, and other areas of interest to both countries. It was emphasized that Italy is one of the most significant partners of BiH in terms of economic cooperation and foreign trade. Special emphasis was placed on the participation of young people from BiH and the Western Balkans in processes within the EU, which concern the future of the EU and the Western Balkans as an integrated part of the EU.

The migrant crisis and the area of security were also discussed, as well as ensuring conditions for the coordination of migration processes.