Members of the Presidency with Toshimitsu: Japan continues to support Bosnia and Herzegovina

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Chairman of the BiH Presidency Milorad Dodik and members of the BiH Presidency Željko Komšić and Šefik Džaferović spoke today with Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu.

Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina informed Minister Toshimitsu about the current socio-economic situation in BiH and BiH's path towards full membership in the EU.

Minister Toshimitsu emphasized that Japan will continue to support BiH on its path to the EU.

Members of the BiH Presidency thanked the Government of Japan for the development assistance that, through numerous programs, has supported the reform process in BiH for years.

They pointed out that Japan is one of the most significant donors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where priority areas of assistance relate to primary healthcare, education, demining, water supply, agriculture, environmental protection, infrastructure, and culture.

They also thanked Japan for its assistance during the catastrophic floods in BiH in 2014. Minister Toshimitsu informed the members of the BiH Presidency about new grant assistance in the amount of approximately 8 million KM, which will be implemented within the framework of the Economic and Social Development Program of the Government of Japan. These funds are intended to strengthen the capacities of the competent BiH authorities for managing the migrant crisis. He also stated that Japan will provide grant assistance for demining worth approximately 800,000 KM, and agreements on the implementation of both donations were signed today in Sarajevo.

The current pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus was also discussed at the meeting. In this context, the members of the BiH Presidency thanked the Government of Japan for the donated assistance in the amount of approximately 1,500,000 KM, used for equipping medical institutions in BiH.