Minister Šibonjić in Turkey: Alumni from Turkey Strengthen Ties Between BiH and Ankara

(Patria) - Minister of Economy of the Zenica-Doboj Canton Samir Šibonjić attended the traditional gathering of alumni who completed part of their education in Turkey, an event that has been bringing together former students for years and serves as a reminder of the ties built during the post-war period.

The gathering served as an opportunity for exchanging experiences, but also for emphasising the importance of cooperation between the two countries.

In his address, Šibonjić recalled the time when young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, immediately after the war, went to study in Turkey, which for many represented a turning point in their personal and professional development.

“Today I attended the traditional gathering of Turkey alumni, where I addressed as a representative of the first generation that went to study in the Republic of Turkey in the 1990s, immediately after the war.”

As he pointed out, it is precisely this generation that today plays a special role in strengthening relations between the two countries.

“That generation today represents a bridge of cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Turkey – a bridge based on knowledge, mutual respect, and sincere friendship between our peoples. It is precisely through such ties that we build more stable institutions, a stronger economy, and a safer future for new generations.”

Lessons beyond the classroom

The stay in Turkey, according to the minister, was not only an academic experience but also an opportunity to adopt values that shape society.

“In Turkey, in addition to education, we learned how to love our homeland, respect the flag and the people, but also how to build an open society that values cooperation and solidarity among people.”

These messages, as emphasised, carry additional weight today in the context of contemporary challenges and the need to strengthen social cohesion.

A partnership with concrete results

Speaking about the relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey, Šibonjić highlighted their breadth and significance, stressing that cooperation is not limited to the political level.

“Today it is clear that Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Turkey have an exceptionally strong strategic partnership, reflected through political support, economic investments, and continuous cooperation in numerous areas. It is up to us to further improve these relations and turn them into concrete projects that will benefit our citizens.”

It is through such initiatives, he believes, that long-term development and stability can be achieved.

Gratitude and a message for the future

At the end of his address, the minister expressed words of gratitude to representatives of Turkey who have provided support to students from Bosnia and Herzegovina over the years.

“On behalf of all alumni, I thanked the representatives of the Republic of Turkey for their support and the opportunity they provided us, especially the President of the Directorate for Diaspora and Related Communities, Abdulhadi Turus, as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Emin Akseki.”

The message of the gathering was clear: relations between the two countries should be further developed through concrete initiatives.

“Our joint obligation is to continue strengthening the friendship between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Turkey – through concrete projects, investments, and institutional cooperation, for the benefit of all our citizens.”