Erdogan: BiH attracts the largest share of Turkish investments in the region

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a meeting with the members of the Presidency of BiH, Chairman Mladen Ivanić, and members Bakir Izetbegović and Dragan Čović, writes the news agency Patria.

After the meeting, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between BiH and Turkey in several areas (diplomatic training, information technology, veterinary medicine, international road transport, science and technology). The agreements were signed by deputy ministers and ministers of the Council of Ministers of BiH as well as ministers and deputy ministers of the Government of Turkey.

During his address, Ivanić stated that Erdogan is a man who knows BiH and that Turkey has genuinely helped our country.

- Relations between Turkey and BiH are good. We discussed strengthening economic ties, increasing exports, and we dedicated most of our attention to these topics. We are grateful that Turkey has increased the quota for meat imports from BiH and we hope that meat production in BiH will now grow – said Ivanić.

Furthermore, Ivanić stated that Turkey is a significant market for milk exports as well, and BiH milk producers are facing problems after Croatia joined the EU. Ivanić expressed gratitude that Erdogan brought a large number of ministers and businessmen who wish to invest in BiH.

- We also discussed many aspects of international cooperation. A common interest is the fight against terrorism, to which Turkey is perhaps most exposed even now – said Ivanić.

Erdogan stated that this visit is of great importance and expressed hope that the cooperation between BiH and Turkey will continue to develop.

- Our trade exchange is 500 million euros, and we believe this is not enough. We must increase both imports and exports of goods. After detailed discussions, we will jointly take direct steps in the military, cultural, and political sectors, in tourism, and in the defense industry. We can achieve close cooperation in the production of automotive parts. BiH also possesses significant forest resources, so we can cooperate in the wood industry – said Erdogan.

He emphasized that BiH will continue to receive support from Turkey on its path to NATO and EU integration. Erdogan noted that during his time as Prime Minister of Turkey, investments worth 100 million euros were realized, and today new investments worth 50 million euros will be realized.

- The director of TIKA was with us today, and the implementation of new projects will continue, and we want to achieve progress in the field of culture so that BiH becomes an attractive tourist destination – said Erdogan.

Erdogan stated that Turkey will also consider investing in the expansion of Sarajevo Airport, which would be a great advantage for BiH.

When asked by journalists about Turkish investments in other countries in the region, such as Slovenia and Montenegro, as well as Romania, being far greater than in BiH, reaching six billion euros, Erdogan stated that this is not true and that BiH attracts the largest share of Turkish investments.

Incidentally, Bosnian and Turkish citizens gathered in front of the BiH Presidency building for hours and applauded after Erdogan left the BiH Presidency.