Pavel: Czech Republic and BiH bilateral relations are excellent

(Patria) - The President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, who is on a two-day official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated today in Sarajevo that he truly believes that the place of BiH and the Balkans is in the European Union (EU).

Pavel said that if the countries of the region remain in a grey zone, it will only benefit those who incite unrest in Europe.

"I believe that BiH and other countries will improve stability and security when they are in the EU. These are mutual benefits for Europe, and that is why I support BiH in the EU," said the Czech President at a press conference after a meeting with the members of the BiH Presidency in Sarajevo.

He added that the Czech Republic sees potential for further work on negotiations on the path to the EU, which opens up space for BiH to join the Union's mechanisms and achieve success.

"Regarding the European path, steps have been taken in the early stages towards membership; we are here to help you because it will be beneficial for all people in BiH," said Pavel.

The Czech President called for overcoming internal disputes and achieving the goal, which is full membership in the EU.

He also said that he advocates for BiH's membership in NATO.

"We are discussing with our interlocutors how you can be successful on that path," Pavel pointed out.

He assessed that the bilateral relations between BiH and the Czech Republic are excellent, and pointed to record-breaking figures in foreign trade exchange.

The Chairperson of the BiH Presidency, Željka Cvijanović, said that the cooperation between BiH and the Czech Republic has improved, but that there is room for improvement.

Cvijanović stated after the meeting of the members of the BiH Presidency with Czech President Petr Pavel that the two countries have no unresolved issues, and that they also discussed improving cooperation in the field of tourism.

"We discussed the role of BiH and the problems we encounter on the path to the EU. The President of the Czech Republic stated that we have support, and it is good to know who the friends are who promote the movement of countries towards the EU," said Cvijanović.

Institutional cooperation and developing partnerships are necessary, she added.

Cvijanović said that there are no security challenges in BiH, but exclusively political disagreements on key issues, but that what connects them is the common story of the path to the EU.

On the other hand, Denis Bećirović informed Pavel that BiH is facing security-related problems, as evidenced by NATO alliance leaders and, as he pointed out, reports from the USA.