Two million euros via TIKA for flood-affected population aid

Prime Minister of FBiH Nermin Nikšić received the Ambassador of Turkey to BiH, Cihad Erginay, today at the seat of the FBiH Government in Sarajevo on an inaugural visit. Erginay has been in this position for less than two months. At the beginning of a very cordial conversation, he emphasized the contribution of the previous Turkish ambassador, thanking him, as well as the people of brotherly and friendly Turkey, for all they have done so far to help Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressed hope that this will continue during his mandate and wished the Ambassador of Turkey successful work.  

Ambassador Erginay emphasized that his mandate in Bosnia and Herzegovina began at a time when our country was hit by a natural disaster that caused great damage, and that he focused his priority activities on helping those affected in the best possible way, whether through the Turkish government or with the help of non-governmental organizations, associations, and citizens of Turkey.

- We have been hit by a natural disaster twice in four months, and we certainly would not have been able to cope with it without help from other countries. When I say that the estimated damage in the Federation of BiH is equivalent to one nominal, or two operational budgets, the scale of this natural disaster will be clearer. First, we worked on repairing infrastructure, especially roads and railways, then on repairing the consequences of floods and landslides on businesses, and on helping the affected population - said Nikšić.

The Ambassador of Turkey emphasized that his country, among other things, pledged two million euros in aid at the donor conference, which will most likely be channeled through the Turkish Development Agency (TIKA). In this regard, it was agreed to cooperate with the Fund for Aid to Affected Areas and the OdRaz agency, which will be the implementation unit, and to determine priorities for directing the donated funds.

The need to expand business cooperation between companies from the two countries was particularly highlighted, with the construction of the highway on Corridor Vc, in which Turkish builders participate to a large extent, cited as a successful example, and the desire for it to continue in the future.

Ambassador Erginay also inquired about the upcoming October elections, and mutual desire and hope were expressed that they would proceed in the best possible order, as is the case in other European countries.