Krišto and Rama: Berlin Process remains a priority, new meeting in October

(Patria) - Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto received today Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who is visiting the countries of the region.

The topic of discussion was certainly the Berlin Process and the agreements from that process that have not yet been implemented.

At a press conference, Krišto said that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania have no open issues and that relations and cooperation should be deepened.

"I am convinced that this visit will also improve our relations. I informed him about the current situation. We said that despite all the complexities that exist in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina is actively working and making progress on everything that is the focus and interest of Bosnia and Herzegovina," she said.

Although Krišto emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, she stated that she primarily discussed the Berlin Process with Rama.

"We placed emphasis on the importance of regional cooperation. We support all initiatives and remain committed to the Berlin Process. To demonstrate our commitment, we must of course make additional efforts to show our credibility and to submit the agreements for ratification. I informed the Prime Minister that we have submitted two agreements to the Presidency institution. Unfortunately, we do not have political consensus on one agreement, but we hope that with additional efforts we will achieve that by the time the Berlin Process summit is to be held in Tirana," Krišto said.

Regarding other regional initiatives, Krišto notes that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not yet ready.

"Within other initiatives, we must leave space and time because in Bosnia and Herzegovina we are not yet ready for other initiatives, although we are signatories to the declaration on the common regional market. Of course, in Bosnia and Herzegovina we are at the first step, adopting the action plan for the common regional market, and that is one of our reform paths," concluded the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto.

Rama said that he wants to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and to open an Albanian embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a certain number of members of the Albanian people, and Bosniaks in Albania, and all their rights are guaranteed. It is no secret that we protect the interests of Kosovo and that through the Berlin Process we want to achieve freedom of movement for citizens of Kosovo using only an ID card. I hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the example of Serbia, will sign such an agreement. I came here to inform Krišto about the Berlin Process summit that will be held in October in Tirana.
We are aware that the European Community now has a stronger goal in Ukraine, but we want them to turn to us as well and support us in our efforts from the Western Balkans.
The European Community should support us and our efforts should be rewarded. The aspiration to build peace should be rewarded," Rama said.

He was welcomed at the airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković.

The Prime Minister of Albania 🇦🇱 @EdiRamaPM is on an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He was welcomed at the airport by MFA @DinoKonakovic.

During the day PM will meet High officials from 🇧🇦. pic.twitter.com/FyPGgvJz82

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH (@mfa_bih) July 7, 2023